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Question
Write the character sketch of Sherlock Holmes as a professional detective.
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Solution
The main character in the novel is a private detective Sherlock Holmes. He’s presented through the viewpoint of his friend Dr. Watson who describes him as a sharp and highly intelligent individual having clear-cut, hawk-like features. Holmes is known for his proficiency with observations and deductions. His rational thinking and logical approach help him analyse cases in a way that no one else can comprehend. Holmes’s approach to his cases is devoid of emotion. He simply takes interest in the facts and does not leave room for personal bias to impair his judgment. In Dr. Watson’s opinion, Holmes is an automaton − a calculating machine − which makes him positively inhuman. He derives conclusions from handwriting. He has a sharp memory. He also had a strong and acute sense of judgement and justice. Holmes is a master of deduction who thrives on mysteries and lives to resolve them.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 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”.
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.” |
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.
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.
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.
M Morstan found Holmes as right person to handle her case. Give reason.
Write the character sketch of Dr. Watson as a sensitive character.
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?
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.’
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."
