1. The legal system:
* The legal system is portrayed as ineffective in the face of a supernatural threat. The police are initially dismissive of the possibility of a supernatural hound, and the legal system is ill-equipped to deal with such an unusual crime. This highlights the limitations of law in confronting the unknown.
* The investigation exposes the flawed nature of the law in dealing with personal revenge. The villain, Stapleton, uses the law to his advantage, manipulating it to his own ends while hiding behind its shield.
* While justice is served in the end, it's largely through Holmes's detective work and quick thinking, not a formal legal process.
2. Personal justice:
* The story explores themes of personal revenge, with Stapleton seeking to avenge the wrongs committed by his ancestor. This suggests a personal sense of justice that exists outside the legal system, but ultimately leads to further injustice.
* Holmes, however, acts as a beacon of justice, seeking to uncover the truth and protect the innocent. He embodies a sense of personal responsibility to ensure justice prevails, even if it means going against the grain.
3. Justice in the face of fear:
* The fear and superstition surrounding the Baskerville curse create a climate of injustice. People readily believe in the hound, making it easier for the villain to exploit their fears and manipulate them.
* The story highlights how fear can distort our understanding of justice and lead to false accusations and even violence.
4. The ambiguity of justice:
* The story leaves the reader to grapple with the question of whether Stapleton's actions were truly justified, even if driven by a desire for revenge.
* This ambiguity forces us to consider the complexities of justice and the grey areas that often exist between right and wrong.
Overall:
The Hound of the Baskervilles suggests that justice is a complex and multifaceted concept. It is not simply about upholding the law, but also about confronting fear, seeking truth, and ultimately, acting with compassion and empathy.
The story emphasizes the limitations of the legal system in the face of the unknown and the importance of personal responsibility in ensuring justice is served. It ultimately leaves the reader to ponder the moral implications of the story and the different ways in which justice can manifest itself.