Differences and Similarities between A Scandal in Bohemia and A

Scandal in Belgravia

In A Scandal in Bohemia, Sherlock Holmes is hired by King Wilhelm of Bohemia to stop Irene
Adler in her effort to publish some photos that would result badly for his publicity. Holmes
finds those photos, but when he goes to bring them back to the King, Irene Adler foresaw it
and took the photos away. But the King has nothing to worry about since Irene Adler
married for another man and has no ambition to prevent Wilhelm from wedding.

First of all, there is a difference in the beginning, in the title itself. Bohemia represents the
country which is known as Czech Republic, and the Belgravia is the name for the capital of
Serbia, Belgrade.

Also, another difference is Watson’s relationship with women. In the story he is married,
while in the TV series he is just another guy who is looking for his soul mate.

But, the biggest difference is in the character of Irene Adler. Even though she outdone
Sherlock in the both versions, she has a different occupation. In the story she is a singer and
on the television she is dominatrix to the rich and powerful. This is because the sex workers
of today are the same that the singers were in Doyle’s age. Another similarity in these two
interpretations is “the Woman”, the name Irene Adler had.

Another difference is Sherlock’s entrance in the house of Irene Adler. In the original story he
(Sherlock) hires some actors to beat him up, while in TV series Watson does it by himself.
Also, since in the time of Doyle there were no fire alarms Watson throws an object on fire
into the house. On both occasions Watson creates the fire.

In the book, but also In a TV production Irene Adler manages to escape Sherlock and
influence him. But, in the story she says to him that she is happily married and that the
secret (the photos) is safe with her. On TV, Sherlock tries to crack the code of Irene’s phone.
At the end, she manipulates him in order to make Sherlock to help her to escape.

References:

Conan Doyle, Arthur. A Scandal in Bohemia. The Strand Magazine, 25 June 1891

Mcguigan, Paul. A Scandal in Belgravia. Paul McGuigan. 2012. Hartswood Films, BBC
Wales, Masterpiece Theatre. 1 January 2012. TV series.

Semir Mujić