In "The Dante Club" by Matthew Pearl, Holmes reflects on the nature of female influence in temptation. He mentions that while Eve led Adam to eat the forbidden fruit, she was not responsible for his choice to drink. This highlights the idea of personal responsibility, suggesting that ultimately, individuals make their own decisions, especially regarding vices like drinking.

Holmes' observation points to a deeper exploration of human behavior and moral choice. It implies that while external influences, such as temptation from others, can sway actions, the fundamental decisions of consuming alcohol reflect a person's own will. This commentary serves to underline the complexity of moral accountability in human actions.