The Doings of Raffles Haw

The narrative follows the lives of the McIntyre family, particularly focusing on Laura and her brother Robert, who are struggling with the aftermath of their father's financial ruin. Their father, Mr. McIntyre, once a prosperous gunmaker, is now a broken man, and the family is living in modest circumstances in the village of Tamfield. The arrival of Raffles Haw, a mysterious and wealthy man, brings both intrigue and change to their lives. Laura is engaged to Hector Spurling, a naval officer, but their plans for marriage are disrupted when Hector is called back to duty. During this time, Raffles Haw takes an interest in Laura, showering her with attention and gifts, which complicates her feelings. Laura finds herself drawn to Haw's wealth and the possibilities it presents, leading her to question her engagement to Hector. As the story unfolds, Raffles reveals his extraordinary wealth comes from a unique scientific discovery: he has developed a method to transmute base metals into gold through electrical processes. This discovery allows him to amass wealth rapidly, but it also burdens him with the responsibility of how to use it wisely. He attempts to use his wealth for philanthropy, but his efforts lead to unintended consequences, creating dependency among those he aims to help. Tensions rise as Mr. McIntyre becomes increasingly resentful of Haw's wealth and influence over his children. His jealousy and bitterness culminate in a confrontation with Raffles, where he attempts to steal from him, leading to a violent encounter. This incident reveals Mr. McIntyre's deteriorating mental state, as he becomes consumed by greed and paranoia. Ultimately, Raffles Haw's attempts to do good with his wealth lead to his own unhappiness. He feels that his generosity has created a negative impact on the community, turning hardworking individuals into dependents. In a moment of despair, he destroys his laboratory and the gold he has created, choosing to retreat from society and its expectations. The story concludes with Raffles' death, leaving behind a legacy of both wealth and the moral complexities of his actions. The McIntyre family is left to grapple with the consequences of their choices, with Laura's engagement to Raffles leading to a bittersweet resolution. Robert, disillusioned by the events, abandons his artistic ambitions, while Laura dedicates herself to charitable work, reflecting on the impact of wealth and the true meaning of happiness. The narrative explores themes of wealth, responsibility, and the human condition, ultimately questioning the true value of material riches.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1891 · Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Crime · 15 chapters · 52,688 words

First lines

"I'm afraid that he won't come," said Laura McIntyre, in a disconsolate voice.

"Why not?"

What this Textopian page supports

The Doings of Raffles Haw is listed on Textopian as a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1891 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Date: 1891 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Crime, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
• Length: 52,688 words
• Structure: 15 chapters, 671 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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• Work identity for The Doings of Raffles Haw by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Doings of Raffles Haw?
• How does this novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?

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Genres

• Adventure — The plot involves thrilling escapades and explorations, characteristic of adventure narratives.
• Mystery — The story includes elements of intrigue and problem-solving, typical of mystery genres.
• Crime — The narrative revolves around criminal activities and their consequences, aligning with crime fiction.
• Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical elements, placing it within historical fiction.

Tags

mystery · adventure · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · fiction · literature · 19th century · British · short stories · Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Contents

• A Double Enigma
• The Tenant of the New Hall
• A House of Wonders
• From Clime to Clime
• Laura's Request
• A Strange Visitor
• The Workings of Wealth
• A Billionaire's Plans
• A New Departure
• The Great Secret
• A Chemical Demonstration
• A Family Jar
• A Midnight Venture
• The Spread of the Blight
• The Greater Secret

More by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

• The Parish Magazine (1914)
• The Great Brown-Pericord Motor (1914)
• The Holocaust of Manor Place (1901)
• The Debatable Case of Mrs. Emsley (1901)
• The Love Affair of George Vincent Parker (1901)
• The Disintegration Machine (1927)
• The Bully of Brocas Court (1914)
• The Brown Hand (1914)
• All works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle