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Question
The reception of six pearls helps the story to move forward by providing some connection with the other happenings. Illustrate.
Solution
Mary’s father had disappeared ten years ago and a few years after his disappearance, she saw an anonymous advertisement in the newspaper asking her for her address. Upon her employer’s advice, she gave her address. Since then, she has received six pearls each year in the mail by an unknown person. With the last pearl, she receives a note asking for a meeting. The pearls provide hints that someone is trying to make amends for some wrongful action that have somehow harmed Mary. Mary Morstone gets intrigued and approaches detective Holmes for his help. Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson agree to accompany her to meet the unknown person. In this way, the reception of six pearls helps the story to move forward as Mary Morstone tries to connect the dots between her father’s disappearance and the pearls by approaching detective Holmes.
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.
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.
Mary received Pearls every year on the same day.
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.
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.
London
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.
Agra
Describe in brief the importance of the following place in the extract.
Andaman Islands
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” -
“The letter speaks of giving her justice. What justice can she have?”
Describe the desired destination of the parties in your words by providing some details.
Write the character sketch of Sherlock Holmes as a professional detective.
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.
Sherlock Holmes deduced facts from the back files of the times. Justify by providing few details.
‘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.
Write the character sketch of Dr. Watson as a sensitive character.
“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.
Holmes, Dr. Watson and Mary Morstan reached at the third pillar of the Lyceum Theatre. Describe the state of mind of the trio.
Highlight the qualities of Sherlock Holmes.
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.’
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."
