student corner If I were Sherlock Holmes

By Cho Sung-eun

It’s hard to judge the depth of a pool without actually diving into it. This is because seeing and experiencing are fundamentally different.

One day I imagine that future technology may allow me to live as a character of a book for a month. If that comes true, I would definitely choose Sherlock Holmes, who is acknowledged as the biggest hero of the United Kingdom.

As a big fan of Holmes, I’ve always wanted to vividly feel his thoughts, emotions, and noble spirit, none of which can be fully understood through words.

Reading the books about Holmes is like just seeing a pool, but living as him for a month would be like diving into the large pool of “new experience.”

Using his remarkable abilities, Holmes solves many crimes and protects the citizens of London by fighting against evil forces.

He even throws himself into the Reichenbach Falls to overcome the notorious Professor Moriarty. Though he could misuse his abilities to commit crimes, he never succumbs to such temptations. Thus, living as him will certainly help me learn about his strong moral character, good faith and responsibility.

Plus, as Holmes helps people by using his abilities, this experience will teach me how I should use my abilities to serve others.

In addition, Holmes has a trustworthy friend. Had it not been for Watson’s help, Holmes wouldn’t have become the greatest detective in history.

Once, Watson shoved Holmes aside to protect him from being shot, and he got shot instead. I was so surprised at Watson’s act, which was not only brave but also faithful. Watson truly understands his friend, and never spares his assistance to Holmes. Therefore, if I could live as Holmes, I would find out the meaning of true friendship. Moreover, I would also learn what I should do to become a sincere friend myself.

Not only does Holmes have a great friend, but he also has a unique lifestyle. Most people lead repetitive and monotonous lives. However, Holmes always pursues adventures and change, creating his own distinctive lifestyle.

Once, Scotland Yard tried to hire Holmes for a good position. However, he declined the request and kept working as a consultant detective. Detective Lastrade asked him why he did so, and Holmes answered that he would like to live a different life from others, mentioning that he enjoys his adventurous life. Therefore, after reading the books about Holmes, I was inspired to create my own lifestyle.

Consequently, I created detective novels in my own style, and drew illustrations for the novel. While modern society puts pressure on me, living as Holmes will guide me to live a different life from others. Also, I will learn how to create and enjoy my own life.

Holmes is a hero who has a noble spirit, has a sincere friend and creates his own lifestyle. Therefore, I strongly believe that living as Holmes for a month will be a priceless experience.

Once Holmes said, “A game is afoot, Watson. Not a word!” As Holmes said, experience allows us to learn valuable lessons which can’t be written in words. Certainly, living as the greatest detective in history will inspire me to take the necessary step to dive into the pool called “life.”

The writer is a second-year student at Daeil Foreign Language High School in Seoul.