Watson's wife, Mary, calls him 'James' in the story "The Man with the Twisted Lip" primarily because commentators suggest it was a pet name she had for him, rather than an authorial mistake.
The Curious Case of Watson's Name
Dr. John H. Watson, Sherlock Holmes' trusted companion and biographer, is consistently identified by his first name, "John," throughout the Conan Doyle canon. This is evident on multiple occasions, including the subtitle to the first Sherlock Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet. However, a peculiar instance arises in the short story "The Man with the Twisted Lip," where his wife, Mary Morstan Watson, addresses him as "James."
Explanations for the Discrepancy
The discrepancy between Watson's commonly known first name, "John," and his wife's address of him as "James" has led to various interpretations among literary scholars and fans. The primary theories offered to explain this unique occurrence are:
- A Pet Name: The most commonly accepted theory is that "James" was an affectionate pet name Mary used for her husband. It is not uncommon for spouses to use endearing terms or alternative names that differ from one's given name. This explanation suggests a layer of intimacy and personalization in their relationship.
- An Intentional Choice, Not an Error: Rather than being a simple slip-up by the author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, some commentators propose that this use of "James" was a deliberate narrative choice. While the exact reason for such a choice, if not a pet name, remains open to interpretation due to the limited context, the prevailing view leans towards it being a purposeful character detail rather than a mistake in continuity.
The table below summarizes the known names for Watson:
| Name Used | Context of Use | Potential Reason for Use |
|---|---|---|
| John | His widely known first name, appearing in numerous stories and subtitles (e.g., A Study in Scarlet). | His actual given name, consistently used throughout his professional life and the narrative. |
| James | Used by his wife, Mary, in "The Man with the Twisted Lip." | Suggested by commentators as either a personal pet name Mary had for him or a deliberate, non-accidental choice by the author. |
This particular detail highlights the depth and occasional subtle complexities found within the Sherlock Holmes stories, often sparking discussions among enthusiasts about the characters' personal lives and the author's narrative choices.
