NCERT Class 11 English Woven Words: Chapter 21 — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 37
This chapter, "The Adventure of the Three Garridebs" by Arthur Conan Doyle, is presented as a potentially tragic or comedic case that significantly impacted the lives of those involved. Set in late June 1902, shortly after the South African War, it begins with Sherlock Holmes presenting Dr. Watson with an unusual case involving the name Garrideb. Holmes reveals that finding a Garrideb could lead to financial gain, hinting at a complex and singular situation. Watson's search in the telephone directory quickly yields a 'Garrideb, N.' at 136, Little Ryder Street. However, their quest for another Garrideb is complicated by the arrival of John Garrideb, a Counsellor at Law from Kansas, USA, whose card matches the name but with a different initial. The chapter introduces John Garrideb as a short, powerfully built man with a childlike appearance but intensely alert eyes, setting the stage for a peculiar investigation into the Garrideb family. This chapter helps students understand narrative structure, character introduction, and the development of mystery in literature.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Woven Words |
| Chapter | Chapter 21 — 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 style of Arthur Conan Doyle.
- Identify and analyze character traits of Holmes and Watson.
- Infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary from context.
- Appreciate the elements of mystery and suspense in literature.
- Recognize the historical context of the story.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| disconsolate | without consolation or comfort; unhappy. |
| reputation | the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. |
| intuition | the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. |
| penitentiary | a place for the imprisonment of criminals and convicted offenders. |
| confederate | a person who collaborates with another, especially in illegal activities. |
| shamefaced | showing shame or embarrassment. |
| dissipated | overindulgence in sensual pleasures. |
| rigmarole | lengthy and complicated procedure, process, or narrative. |
| syncopated | a disturbed or irregular rhythm. |
| cadaverous | resembling a corpse in being very pale, thin, or gaunt. |
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Practice questions
- What is the setting in time for the beginning of the story? Answer: The story begins in the latter end of June 1902, shortly after the conclusion of the South African War.
- What unusual request did Holmes refuse around the time of this story? Answer: Holmes refused a knighthood for services which may perhaps some day be described.
- What name is central to the case presented to Watson? Answer: The name central to the case is Garrideb.
- How does Watson initially find a Garrideb? Answer: Watson finds a Garrideb by looking in the telephone directory.
- Describe the physical appearance of John Garrideb. Answer: John Garrideb is described as a short, powerful man with a round, fresh, clean-shaven face, appearing chubby and rather childlike, but with arresting, intensely 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. In which month and year does the story begin?
Explanation: The text mentions the date was the latter end of June 1902.
Q3. What did Holmes refuse around the time of this adventure?
Explanation: The text states that Holmes refused a knighthood for services rendered.
Q4. What is the primary reason Holmes is interested in the name Garrideb?
Explanation: Holmes tells Watson, 'if you can lay your hand upon a Garrideb, there's money in it.'
Q5. Where does the first Garrideb found in the directory live?
Explanation: Holmes reads from the directory, 'Garrideb, N.' he read, '136, Little Ryder Street, W.'
Q6. What is John Garrideb's profession?
Explanation: John Garrideb is identified as a Counsellor at Law.
Q7. What is notable about John Garrideb's eyes?
Explanation: The text describes his eyes as seldom in any human head having a pair which bespoke a more intense inward life, so bright were they, so alert, so responsive to every change of thought.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of 'The Adventure of the Three Garridebs'?
The main theme revolves around a peculiar mystery involving individuals with the same surname, leading to an intriguing investigation by Sherlock Holmes.
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 excerpt?
The main characters introduced are Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, along with the new character John Garrideb.
What is the significance of the name 'Garrideb' in the story?
The name 'Garrideb' is central to the mystery, as Holmes suggests there is money to be made by finding individuals with this surname.
What is unusual about the first Garrideb Watson finds?
Watson finds 'Garrideb, N.' in the telephone directory, but Holmes indicates they need another Garrideb to match him.
What is John Garrideb's nationality and profession?
John Garrideb is an American (from Kansas, U.S.A.) and works as a Counsellor at Law.
How does the chapter hint at the potential nature of the adventure?
The opening lines suggest it could be 'a comedy, or it may have been a tragedy,' indicating a complex and impactful event.
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NCERT Class 11 English — Woven Words — Chapter 21 — The Adventure of the Three Garridebs 37. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.