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Question
Write the central idea of the given extract of the novel, “The Sign of Four”.
Solution 1
Various themes/central ideas are highlighted in the given extract of the novel. However, the central idea that dominates the extract is that of justice. All the events in the given extract are the result of the anonymous letter requesting a meeting with Miss Mary Morstan. This letter has been sent by the same person who has been sending the pearls to Miss Morstan for the past six years. As deduced by Holmes, the act can be viewed as compensation being given for the loss suffered by Miss Morstan, because the letter mentions her as a “wronged woman”. Miss Morstan’s decision to seek Holmes’ assistance and the decision to go to the meeting place are the outcomes of the letter sent by the anonymous person.
Solution 2
The theme of the sign of four is the idea of wealth and opulence. The story represents the life changing amount of riches and asks the readers if this kind of wealth equates to happiness or if it is right to pursue wealth at all costs.
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| India | Importance | London | Importance |
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| 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 |
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| 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.” |
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