While the similarities between "The Great Game" and "The Bruce-Partington Plans" may not be as vast as the changes, they are equally, if not more important. The first major theme kept the same between the two was Sherlock Holmes' utter contempt for authority. This theme was kept because it empowers Sherlock. It can go where law enforcement can't and do what they can't. It further reinforces the idea that Sherlock is separate from the law and has more leniency due to his ability to break the rules. His complete contempt for authority in the books is shown in his exchange with Lestrade, after confessing to the break-in; “The professional shook his head at our confessed burglary. “We can't do these things in the police force, Mr. Holmes,” he said. «It is not surprising that we obtain results that are beyond our possibilities. But some of these days you'll go too far and you'll find yourself and your friend in trouble.' –'For England, home and beauty –eh, Watson? Martyrs on the altar of our country'” (Doyle, page 20). Sherlock is not concerned with the fact that he was warned to break into other people's homes, but focuses on the fact that he achieved results where the police and other law-abiding citizens could not. Sherlock is controlling those who transgress society and cannot do so by always abiding by the rules. For Sherlock, there is the occasional instance where he needs to step away from the constraints of the law to prevent a greater evil from occurring. The second major theme that has remained the same in both mediums is the idea of patriotism. This is shown in the new series through John's commitment to the Queen and country, as well as Cadogan West's commitment to the security of missile defense plans. Patriotism in... middle of paper... hilarity forms the core of Irene's character and her interactions with Sherlock. It also showcases Doyle's skill at writing a strong, confident woman who isn't afraid to stand up to the patriarchy. The push of Sherlock Holmes characters and stories into the modern age works thanks to their reliance on the source materials. The changes made to the Sherlock Holmes novels add to Doyle's original thoughts and make them more relatable to modern society. However, it is the similarities between Doyle's work and the film adaptation that truly make audiences of all time fall in love with the characters and adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The adaptations allow modern viewers a glimpse into Doyle's works and thoughts on his society. The adaptations bring Doyle's heart and soul forward and continue to build his legacy as the inventor of the modern detective novel.
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