NOVEL- SIGN OF FOUR
Summary
The novel begins with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in London. Holmes is restless due to the lack of cases, and
Watson is concerned about Holmes' use of cocaine. Mary Morstan, a young woman, visits them with a mysterious case.
She explains that her father disappeared years ago and that she has been receiving an anonymous annual gift of pearls.
Recently, she received a letter asking her to meet the sender.
Holmes and Watson accompany her to the meeting, where they learn about a secret pact involving a hidden treasure
and a betrayal among four convicts in India. As the case unfolds, the treasure hunt leads to murder, a thrilling boat
chase on the River Thames, and the uncovering of the hidden treasure.
In the end, the treasure is lost, but Watson finds love in Mary Morstan, proposing to her despite her lack of fortune.
Themes
Justice and Morality: The novel explores how justice and morality are often complicated by personal motives and
cultural differences.
Colonialism: The story critiques the greed and exploitation tied to British imperialism in India.
Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Holmes and Watson is central, with Watson providing a grounded contrast
to Holmes' brilliance.
Love and Sacrifice: Watson’s love for Mary shows how relationships can transcend material wealth.
Key Characters
Sherlock Holmes: A brilliant but eccentric detective with a keen sense of observation and deduction.
Dr. John Watson: Holmes’ loyal friend and narrator of the story.
Mary Morstan: A kind-hearted woman at the center of the mystery.
Jonathan Small: The antagonist, whose backstory provides insight into themes of betrayal and revenge.
Tonga: Small’s accomplice, often criticized for being a stereotyped depiction of indigenous people.
Important Symbols
The Treasure: Represents greed and how it corrupts people’s morals.
The Map and Four Signatures: Symbolize secrecy and the bonds between the conspirators.
Short Answer Questions
Q 1. Who is Mary Morstan, and why does she approach Holmes?
Ans: Mary Morstan is a young woman whose father disappeared ten years ago under mysterious circumstances. She
approaches Sherlock Holmes because she has been receiving anonymous pearls annually and has recently received a
letter asking her to meet the sender, which she finds suspicious.
Q 2. What is the significance of the "Sign of the Four"?
Ans: The "Sign of the Four" refers to a pact among four convicts—Jonathan Small and three Indians—who discovered
a treasure during their time in India. They swore loyalty to each other and used the sign to signify their bond and shared
claim to the treasure.
Q 3. How does Jonathan Small justify his actions?
Ans: Jonathan Small believes he was wronged when his treasure was taken by Major Sholto and Captain Morstan. He
feels justified in seeking revenge and reclaiming what he considers his rightful property. However, his greed and
violent methods lead to his downfall.
Q 4. Why does Dr. Watson propose to Mary Morstan?
Ans: Dr. Watson proposes to Mary Morstan because he admires her kindness, courage, and character. His love is not
influenced by wealth, as the loss of the treasure does not change his feelings for her.
Q 5. What role does Tonga play in the story?
Ans: Tonga is Jonathan Small's accomplice, who helps him escape from Andaman Island and assists in retrieving the
treasure. However, Tonga's actions, particularly killing Bartholomew Sholto, add to the chaos and further complicate
Small's pursuit of the treasure.
Long Answer Questions
Q 1. How does Doyle portray colonialism in The Sign of the Four?
Ans: Doyle critiques British colonialism by highlighting the greed, exploitation, and betrayal associated with it. The
treasure, taken from India, symbolizes the material wealth extracted during the colonial era. Jonathan Small’s
backstory reveals the moral corruption and injustices of imperialism, while Tonga’s stereotypical depiction reflects the
prejudices of the time.
Q 2. Discuss the relationship between Holmes and Watson.
Ans: Holmes and Watson share a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect. Holmes relies on Watson for support
and companionship, while Watson admires Holmes’ intellect and deductive skills. Watson provides emotional depth to
the story, contrasting Holmes’ analytical personality. Their dynamic adds balance to the narrative.
Q 3. Analyze the theme of justice in the novel.
Ans: Justice in The Sign of the Four is complex. While legal justice is served with Jonathan Small’s capture, moral
justice is ambiguous. Small justifies his actions as reclaiming what was stolen from him, yet his methods are criminal.
The novel questions whether true justice can exist when personal motives and colonial greed are involved.
Q 4. What is the role of the treasure in the story?
Ans: The treasure drives the plot, symbolizing greed and the corrupting power of wealth. It causes betrayal, murder,
and suffering, affecting every character connected to it. Despite its allure, the treasure is ultimately lost, reinforcing the
idea that material wealth cannot bring lasting happiness or peace.
