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Question
Dr. Watson, the narrator, is one of the major characters in the novel. Illustrate
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Solution
Dr. John Watson is the narrator of the story. From his admiring description of Miss Mary Morstan and his appreciative expression of Holmes’ abilities to his detailed account of the evening scene in London and his depiction of each emotion felt by the characters, Dr. Watson’s insightful narration helps the readers experience the story through his eyes. However, Dr. Watson is not merely the narrator of the story; he is also Holmes’ closest friend as well as his assistant. A doctor by profession, Watson is an empathetic man, who understands emotions and situations on a level that Holmes fails to understand. He is the second-most important character in the story, after Holmes. This is because he helps Holmes comprehend the sensitive aspects of situations, which is not Holmes’ strong suit. Though Holmes is extraordinarily gifted, this does not stop Watson from arguing with him, making him the only one capable of tolerating Holmes and proving that he is the perfect companion for the eccentric detective. His admiration for Miss Morstan shows us his romantic side and his hesitation to feel worthy of Miss Morstan’s affection portrays him as a true gentleman. All the qualities attributed to Dr. Watson, along with his relationship to the protagonist, Sherlock Holmes, and his narrative viewpoint, make him one of the major characters in the novel.
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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.
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 |
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
Which places/cities in India and England are mentioned/have appeared in the extract? Also write about their importance.
| India | Importance | London | Importance |
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” -
“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.
Describe the desired destination of the parties in your words by providing some details.
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.
‘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.
Holmes had a competence about the route of their travel. Suggest some points to clarify the statement.
The mention of new places adds a pace to the story. Justify.
Write the character sketch of Dr. Watson as a sensitive character.
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.
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.
How does the mystery of Bartholomew's murder lead Holmes to track down small?
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:
Write the importance of various places such as ‘Holmes’ residence, Lyceum Theatre and unknown destination with reference to "The Sign of Four."
