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Question
Elaborate the following line in the light of the novel/extract, “The Sign of Four” -
“You really are an automaton − a calculating machine.”
Solution
This line is spoken by Dr. Watson when Holmes tells him that he didn’t really observe Miss Mary Morstan’s attractiveness. Though Dr. Watson knows Holmes really well, he finds it astonishing that he can be so inhuman as to not notice beauty. Holmes' character is known for having razor-sharp intelligence, a keen eye, and extraordinary powers of deduction. However, the character is also emotionally detached and views his clients as mere units or factors in a problem. Holmes believes that emotional qualities get in the way of logical reasoning and he does not want his judgment to be biased by the personal qualities of his clients. Since humans are, by their very nature, emotional beings, Watson compares Holmes to a machine because of his ability to remain unaffected by emotion.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
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
Holmes is always one step ahead of Dr. Watson in solving cases. Elucidate.
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.
The trio − Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Mary decide to visit Lyceum Theatre.
Discuss the importance of the following statement in light of the extract.
Holmes carefully examined the paper given by Mary.
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.
Lyceum Theatre
Describe in brief the importance of the following place in the extract.
Edinburgh
Describe in brief the importance of the following place in the extract.
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| India | Importance | London | Importance |
Write in brief the theme of the extract of the novel ‘The Sign of Four’.
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”.
Give reasons:
| Statement | Reason/s |
| (a) Miss Morstan plans to meet Sherlock Holmes | |
| (b) Miss Morstan gives the reference of Mrs. Cecil Forrester | |
| (c) It’s a singular case | |
| (d) Holmes needed some references | |
| (e) Miss Morstan received a pearl every year | |
| (f) The coachman confirmed that neither of Miss Morstan’s companion was a police officer |
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.
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Compare the thought process of Holmes and Dr. Watson in handling the case.
Answer in about 50 words to the question given below:
Narrate the case of Miss Morstan in your words.
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Holmes had a competence about the route of their travel. Suggest some points to clarify the statement.
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The paper found in the desk of captain Morstan is the center of the action. Explain.
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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."
