NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 4 — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 37
This chapter, "The Adventure of the Three Garridebs" by Arthur Conan Doyle, begins with a reflection on a case that was both tragic and comedic, involving a man losing his reason, another being bloodied, and a third facing legal penalties. Set in late June 1902, shortly after the South African War, Sherlock Holmes emerges from a period of rest with a peculiar case. He informs his partner, Dr. Watson, about the potential for making money by finding a Garrideb. The narrative highlights the unusual nature of the case and introduces the first Garrideb, N. Garrideb, found through a telephone directory. Soon after, a second Garrideb, John Garrideb, a Counsellor at Law from Kansas, USA, arrives. The chapter sets the stage for a complex investigation, introducing the characters and the intriguing mystery surrounding the name Garrideb, promising a deep dive into human complexities and a test of Holmes's deductive skills.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 37 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 614 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the narrative structure and characterization in a detective story.
- Infer the meaning of new vocabulary from context.
- Analyze the elements of mystery and deduction presented in the text.
- Appreciate the writing style of Arthur Conan Doyle.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| disconsolate air | sad and dejected manner |
| sinister and murderous reputation | known for being evil and dangerous |
| want of imaginative intuition | lack of ability to understand things instinctively |
| penitentiary | a place for the imprisonment of people convicted of serious crimes |
| devilish ingenuity | wicked cleverness or skill |
| confederate in crime | an accomplice in a crime |
| shamefaced grin | an embarrassed smile |
| dissipated dreams | dreams that have been wasted or scattered |
| rigmarole of lies | a long, rambling, and nonsensical story or explanation |
| syncopated dialogue | dialogue with a rhythm that emphasizes unexpected beats, creating a disjointed effect |
| cadaverous face | a face that is pale, thin, and looks like a corpse |
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Practice questions
- What was the approximate date of the events described in the chapter? Answer: The events took place in the latter end of June 1902.
- What was Holmes's initial reaction to the case involving the Garridebs? Answer: Holmes saw it as a chance for Watson to make money and found the situation rather whimsical and singular.
- How did Watson find the first Garrideb's name? Answer: Watson found the name N. Garrideb in the telephone directory.
- Describe John Garrideb's appearance. Answer: John Garrideb was a short, powerful man with a round, fresh, clean-shaven, chubby, and rather childlike face, but with arresting, bright, alert eyes.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who is the author of 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs'?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Arthur Conan Doyle is the author of the story.
Q2. What event had recently concluded before the story's events?
Explanation: The text mentions the date was shortly after the conclusion of the South African War.
Q3. What was Holmes's initial statement to Watson about the Garrideb case?
Explanation: Holmes told Watson, 'There is a chance for you to make some money, friend Watson.'
Q4. Where was John Garrideb from?
Explanation: John Garrideb's card stated his address as Moorville, Kansas, U.S.A.
Q5. What was John Garrideb's profession?
Explanation: John Garrideb is identified as a Counsellor at Law.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs'?
The chapter introduces a complex mystery involving individuals with the same surname, setting the stage for Sherlock Holmes's deductive reasoning and Dr. Watson's narration.
When does the story take place?
The story is set in the latter end of June 1902, shortly after the conclusion of the South African War.
Who are the main characters introduced in this part of the chapter?
The main characters introduced are Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and John Garrideb, a Counsellor at Law from the USA.
What is unusual about the name Garrideb in the context of the story?
The unusual aspect is that Holmes is looking for a Garrideb, and then two individuals with that surname appear, one of whom is a stranger.
What is the significance of the vocabulary list at the beginning of the chapter?
The vocabulary list provides key phrases and words that appear in the text, encouraging readers to guess their meanings from the context and expand their understanding.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 4 — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 37. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.