Chivalry

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a knight himself, believed firmly in the concept of chivalry. In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," he gladly takes the case despite Helen Stoner's inability to guarantee payment for his services. Holmes notices the bruises on her wrist and corners her into admitting that her stepfather is violent with her. She is a damsel in distress, with no one else to turn to, so Sherlock Holmes agrees to save the day. When Grimesby Roylott appears in Holmes' office and makes menacing threats, Holmes' interest in the case only grows deeper. Such a man should not be allowed to threaten a lady. The ancient code of chivalry guides many of Holmes' actions, both in this particular story, and in the series overall.

Chivalry demands that a man be noble, upstanding, and always fight for the right. It is somewhat black and white thinking, because...