NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 11 — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 37
This chapter, "The Adventure of the Three Garridebs" by Arthur Conan Doyle, introduces a peculiar case brought to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Holmes receives a visitor, Mr. John Garrideb, a Counsellor at Law from Kansas, USA, seeking another person with the same surname. The narrative begins with Holmes hinting at a potentially complex and unusual case, possibly involving crime, as indicated by a list of challenging expressions. The story unfolds as Holmes and Watson attempt to identify and locate individuals named Garrideb, setting the stage for a mystery that involves deception and legal ramifications. The chapter emphasizes Holmes's sharp intellect and Watson's role as the narrator and chronicler of their adventures, highlighting the unique nature of their investigations within the context of early 20th-century London.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — 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.
- Analyze the use of language and vocabulary to create atmosphere and suspense.
- Develop critical thinking skills by following Holmes's deductive process.
- Appreciate the literary style of Arthur Conan Doyle.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| disconsolate air | a sad and gloomy manner |
| sinister and murderous reputation | known for being evil and dangerous |
| want of imaginative intuition | lack of ability to understand things instinctively |
| penitentiary | a prison for people convicted of serious crimes |
| devilish ingenuity | cleverness used for wicked purposes |
| confederate in crime | an accomplice in a criminal act |
| shamefaced grin | a smile showing embarrassment or guilt |
| dissipated dreams | hopes or ambitions that have been wasted or destroyed |
| 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 looks thin, pale, and deathlike |
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Practice questions
- What was the date mentioned by Watson for the beginning of the adventure? Answer: The latter end of June 1902.
- What unusual offer did Holmes refuse? Answer: Holmes refused a knighthood.
- What was the name Holmes was looking for? Answer: Garrideb.
- Where was John Garrideb from? Answer: Moorville, Kansas, U.S.A.
- Describe John Garrideb's appearance. Answer: He was a short, powerful man with a round, fresh, clean-shaven face, chubby and rather childlike, with arresting, bright, alert eyes.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who is the author of 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs'?
Explanation: The text explicitly states the author as Arthur Conan Doyle.
Q2. What was the primary reason Holmes was interested in the name Garrideb?
Explanation: Holmes tells Watson, 'if you can lay your hand upon a Garrideb, there's money in it.'
Q3. Where did the first Garrideb listed in the telephone directory live?
Explanation: Holmes reads from the directory, 'Garrideb, N. 136, Little Ryder Street, W.'
Q4. What was John Garrideb's profession?
Explanation: The text states, 'John Garrideb, Counsellor at Law.'
Q5. What war had recently concluded around the time of this adventure?
Explanation: The text mentions the date was 'shortly after the conclusion of the South African War.'
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 investigation into a potentially criminal plot.
Who are the main characters introduced in this chapter?
The main characters are Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson (the narrator), and the new client, Mr. John Garrideb.
What is the significance of the list of expressions at the beginning of the chapter?
The expressions are challenging vocabulary words that are likely to appear in the text, helping readers to guess their meaning from the context and expand their vocabulary.
When does this adventure take place?
The adventure takes place in the latter end of June 1902, shortly after the conclusion of the South African War.
What makes the case of the Garridebs unusual?
The unusual aspect is the need to find another person named Garrideb, suggesting a peculiar situation or a deliberate search related to the name itself.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 11 — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 37. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.