The Return of Sherlock Holmes Pride Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Story.Paragraph) or (Story.Section.Paragraph) if applicable.

Quote #1

"Well, well, I must not be selfish," said he, with a smile, as he pushed back his chair from the break-fast table. "The community is certainly the gainer, and no one the loser, save the poor out-of-work specialist, whose occupation has gone." (Norwood Builder.3)

Though Holmes is kidding around here, he reveals his pride with his notion that he, the "specialist," exists separate from the community at large.

Quote #2

"It's all going wrong, Watson - all as wrong as it can go. I kept a bold face before Lestrade, but, upon my soul, I believe that for once the fellow is on the right track and we are on the wrong." (Norwood Builder.88)

Holmes has a definite competitive streak, that especially comes out in professional situations. If his pride is ever wounded, he gets extremely competitive.

Quote #3

Lestrade laughed loudly.

"You don't like being beaten any more than the rest of us do," said he. "A man can't expect always to have it his own way, can he, Dr. Watson?" (Norwood Builder.116-117)

Lestrade gets a kick out of beating Holmes, temporarily at least, and he also hints at Holmes's arrogance here, since Holmes expects to "always" be right. Trouble is, Holmes is almost always right, so his pride is somewhat justified.