Here's what happened:
* Holmes confronts his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland.
* They engage in a fierce struggle that culminates in both of them falling over the edge.
* Moriarty is presumed dead, and Holmes is presumed to have perished as well.
The public was outraged by the death of Sherlock Holmes. There were widespread protests and even petitions demanding his return. Doyle was bombarded with letters from heartbroken fans, some even claiming they had lost the will to live without their beloved detective.
Doyle's decision to kill Holmes ultimately backfired. The public outcry was so intense that he eventually yielded to pressure and brought Holmes back to life in 1903 with the story "The Adventure of the Empty House."
Here's why the public was so upset:
* Holmes had become a beloved cultural icon. He was seen as a brilliant and eccentric detective, but also as a symbol of justice and rationality. His death felt like a loss to the entire world.
* People found his character captivating. His sharp intellect, deductive reasoning, and unique personality had captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide.
* Doyle's attempt to move on from Holmes was unsuccessful. He simply could not escape the shadow of his most famous creation.
Ultimately, the public's love for Sherlock Holmes proved to be stronger than Doyle's desire to move on. The incident became a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted character and the deep connection readers can form with fictional personalities.