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Question
Read the extract again and complete the web by highlighting the qualities of the following character:
Solution
- Sherlock Holmes is a brilliant detective with extraordinary powers of deduction.
- He is very resourceful, which can be seen by the information he is able to gather about the case in one afternoon.
- He is a man who shows no emotion because he feels that would cloud his judgment.
- His sense of direction is flawless, as he is able to name all the places through which the carriage passes.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
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) ____________ |
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Holmes carefully examined the paper given by Mary.
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| Lines | Time and period |
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.
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London
Describe in brief the importance of the following place in the extract.
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Write in brief the theme of the 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” -
“You really are an automaton − a calculating machine.”
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.
Describe the desired destination of the parties in your words by providing some details.
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Compare the thought process of Holmes and Dr. Watson in handling the case.
‘You are a wronged woman, and shall have justice’. Interpret the statement to highlight the conflict in Miss Morstan’s mind.
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.
The paper found in the desk of captain Morstan is the center of the action. Explain.
“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.
‘The coachman is described as a faithful servant’. Justify the statement in your words.
Describe how Sherlock Holmes discovered the connection between Miss Morstan receiving precious pearls with Major Sholto.
Pick the odd one out:
Highlight the qualities of Sherlock Holmes.
Miss Morstan received a pearl every year. Give reason.
What are the qualities of Mary Morstan?
Activities based on the extract of the novel ‘The Sign of Four’.
Describe the significance of Mary Morstan’s visit to the Lyceum Theatre with Holmes and Dr. Watson.
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.’
