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प्रश्न
Holmes is always one step ahead of Dr. Watson in solving cases. Elucidate.
उत्तर
Holmes possesses exceptional powers of observation and deduction. His rational thinking and logical approach help him analyze cases in a way that no one else can comprehend. The extent of Holmes’ intellectual skills can be witnessed when he deciphers the piece of paper that Miss Morstan gives him in the carriage and also when he is able to name every place the carriage passes through, despite not knowing the intended destination. Moreover, Sherlock’s approach to his cases is devoid of emotion. He simply takes interest in the facts and does not leave room for personal bias to impair his judgment. His ability to rise above the fear and anxiety felt by an ordinary person in a tense situation sets him apart and gives him the power to look at the situation from a unique perspective. In Dr. Watson’s opinion, Holmes is an automaton − a calculating machine − which makes him positively inhuman. On the other hand, though Dr. Watson is a keen observer, he is no match for Sherlock Holmes. His analytical skills are not as refined as Sherlock’s. Unlike Holmes, Dr. Watson does not treat the clients as mere units or factors. His emotional side leads him to sympathise and at times empathise with the clients. He excels in sensing a person’s state of mind, a quality lacking in Holmes, which makes him more sensitive and humane. However, his personal opinion about everyone may be clouding his judgment, thus causing him to miss out on the subtle clues that Holmes never fails to pick. For instance, it takes Holmes a mere afternoon to make the important connection between Major Sholto and the anonymous sender of pearls, which Watson does not make even when Holmes presents him with the facts that he had obtained. This proves that Holmes is a master of deduction who thrives on mysteries and lives to resolve them. This is why Holmes is always one step ahead of Dr. Watson in solving cases.
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संबंधित प्रश्न
Read the extract again and complete the web by highlighting the qualities of the following character:
Read the extract again and complete the web by highlighting the qualities of the following character:
Read the extract again and complete the web by highlighting the qualities of the following character:
Describe the character of Mary Morstan from Dr. Watson’s point of view.
Sherlock Holmes is the leading character in the extract. Explain.
Dr. Watson, the narrator, is one of the major characters in the novel. Illustrate
Arrange the sentences in the correct sequence as per their occurrence in the extract:
| Jumbled Incidents | Correct sequence |
| (1) Holmes put a revolver in his pocket. | (a) ____________ |
| (2) Holmes gave Winwood’s book ‘Martyrdom of Man’ to Dr. Watson. | (b) ____________ |
| (3) Mary received a large and lustrous pearl through the post. | (c) ____________ |
| (4) Mary’s father was an officer in an Indian regiment. | (d) ____________ |
| (5) Mary Morstan was a well-dressed young lady. | (e) ____________ |
Discuss the importance of the following statement in light of the extract.
Holmes carefully examined the paper given by Mary.
Cite various references (lines) from the extract that tell us about the time and period of the events.
| Lines | Time and period |
How does the series of actions go from London to India? Explain by citing references from the extract.
The extract begins when Mary Morstan meets Sherlock Holmes at his house. After that Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Mary visit some places in London. Explain in detail the various places mentioned in the extract.
Basically the setting of the extract is in London but it has some references of India, too. Explain how the settings of the extract contribute to the theme of the novel.
Describe in brief the importance of the following place in the extract.
Agra
Which places/cities in India and England are mentioned/have appeared in the extract? Also write about their importance.
| India | Importance | London | Importance |
Write 4-5 sentences about the meeting of Miss Morstan with Holmes.
Write the central idea of the given extract of the novel, “The Sign of Four”.
Elaborate the following line in the light of the novel/extract, “The Sign of Four” -
“You really are an automaton − a calculating machine.”
Elaborate the following line in the light of the novel/extract, “The Sign of Four” -
“The letter speaks of giving her justice. What justice can she have?”
Elaborate the following line in the light of the novel/extract, “The Sign of Four” -
“Our quest does not appear to take us to very fashionable regions.”
Following are some dialogues of the major characters in the extract. Find out who the speaker is, his/her tone, style, significance, etc. of the dialogue.
| Dialogue | Speaker | To Whom it is said | Tone, Style, Significance, etc. |
| “….you have once enabled my employer, Mrs. Cecil Forrester, to unravel a little domestic complication. She was much impressed by your kindness and skill.” | |||
| “You will, I am sure, excuse me.” | |||
| “Your statement is most interesting. Has anything else occurred to you?” | |||
| “Are you the parties who come with Miss Morstan?” | |||
| “The Sahib awaits you.” |
The reception of six pearls helps the story to move forward by providing some connection with the other happenings. Illustrate.
Write the character sketch of Sherlock Holmes as a professional detective.
Compare the thought process of Holmes and Dr. Watson in handling the case.
Sherlock Holmes deduced facts from the back files of the times. Justify by providing few details.
Dr. Watson reflects Miss Morstan's state of mind. Discuss with some examples.
The mention of new places adds a pace to the story. Justify.
M Morstan found Holmes as right person to handle her case. Give reason.
“I may be very obtuse, Holmes, but I fail to see what this suggests.” Justify the statement by highlighting the difference in deducing the case.
Find support from the text which elaborates the tone of the narrator when he compares himself with Miss Morstan.
The narrator makes Miss Morstan’s journey comfortable while going to an unknown place. Narrate in your words.
Holmes, Dr. Watson and Mary Morstan reached at the third pillar of the Lyceum Theatre. Describe the state of mind of the trio.
Describe how Sherlock Holmes discovered the connection between Miss Morstan receiving precious pearls with Major Sholto.
Highlight the qualities of Sherlock Holmes.
Miss Morstan received a pearl every year. Give reason.
What are the qualities of Mary Morstan?
Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below:
Mary Morstan encourages Dr. Watson to get involved in her case. Justify the statement with reference to ‘The Sign of Four.’
Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below:
Write the importance of various places such as ‘Holmes’ residence, Lyceum Theatre and unknown destination with reference to "The Sign of Four."
