Basic Information

Abbreviation: BERY (J. F. Christ, 1947)
Word length: 9,783 (C. E. Lauterbach, 1960)
First published: Strand Magazine, May 1892

Discussion Questions

• Who do you suppose was the man who gave Mr. Holder the coronet?
• How do you think the owner of the coronet will react to it being returned to him damaged?
• Do you think there is significance to Mr. Holder’s residence being named “Fairbank?” If so, why?
• How does the idea of deception function within the story?
• Do you think Arthur’s relationship with Sir George Burnwell will change? If so, how?
• At the end of the story, in regard to the whereabouts of Mary, Holmes says, “... they will soon receive a more than sufficient punishment.” What do you think Holmes means by this?
• Ultimately, is Mary or Sir George Burnwell responsible for the stealing of the coronet? Why?