1. The Sensationalism and Fear: The Whitechapel murders captivated the public imagination and generated widespread fear. The unknown killer, the brutal nature of the crimes, and the helplessness of the authorities fueled a thirst for information and solutions. Doyle, being a keen observer of society, would have been immersed in this atmosphere of fear and fascination. This may have sparked his interest in exploring the themes of crime, detection, and the pursuit of justice.
2. The Rise of the Detective: The Jack the Ripper case also saw a surge in the popularity of detectives. The police struggled to solve the crimes, leading to the involvement of private detectives and amateur sleuths. The public was intrigued by these figures who used logic, observation, and deduction to piece together clues. Doyle may have been inspired by this real-life development and the public's fascination with detective work.
3. The Need for Order: Victorian society was undergoing rapid change, leading to anxieties about social order and the breakdown of traditional values. The brutality of Jack the Ripper amplified these anxieties, highlighting the fragility of society and the need for justice and order. Doyle, through his detective stories, might have sought to explore these anxieties and offer a sense of security and order through the triumphs of logic and reason.
4. The Power of Observation: The investigation of Jack the Ripper heavily relied on eyewitness accounts and physical evidence. This process of piecing together clues and analyzing details would have resonated with Doyle's own interest in meticulous observation and deduction. His medical background likely contributed to his fascination with forensic science and the ability to find clues in seemingly insignificant details.
5. The Appeal of the Unknown: The mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper's identity and motive was a powerful draw. The public was captivated by the unknown, and the desire to unravel the puzzle fueled the fascination with the case. This intrigue may have influenced Doyle's choice to create a detective who could delve into the unknown and bring order to chaos.
In summary, the Jack the Ripper case and the broader anxieties of Victorian society, with its unsafe streets and fear of crime, likely provided fertile ground for Arthur Conan Doyle's imagination. It's possible that he saw the case as a reflection of broader societal issues and used it as inspiration to create Sherlock Holmes, a character who embodied the public's desire for logic, reason, and justice in a world that seemed increasingly chaotic and dangerous.