Sign of four

• "My mind," he said, "rebels at stagnation."

  Sherlock Holmes - Modern Conception of a Workaholic - One who Focuses to Detriment of all Other Things on Work and Work-Related Activities - would appear to Fit Holmes well. Not a Balanced Person. When he does not have something to Occupy his mind, he turns to Drugs. It would appear also that Holmes, when not working, suffers from a Type of Mania or Depression.
• "I abhor the dull routine of existence."


  Sherlock Holmes - Holmes thrives on mental challenges and puzzles. He prefers to be intellectually stimulated. When there is nothing intellectual to keep Holmes busy, he resorts to drugs to numb himself. It would appear also that Holmes, when not working, suffers from a Type of Mania or Depression.
• "I think I can prove that the poison acts so quickly that the man was dead before you ever reached the rooms."


  Sherlock Holmes on Small - Even though Small has committed a crime, he is not guilty of the murder of Bartholomew Sholto. Holmes' sense of justice means that even though he has pursued Jonathan Small, he does not want him to be punished for a crime he did not commit. This Can be Linked to the Theme of Evil and Justice as Although Small Committed a Crime he is not Guilty for Murder and therefore Holmes does not want to Punish him for Something he is not Guilty of.
• "You have an extraordinary genius for minutiae," I remarked.


  Watson about Sherlock Holmes - Holmes tells Watson about a recent work he has written about the subtle differences he has noticed in the ash of difference tobaccos. It is his close attention to detail and his finely-tuned skills of observation, along with his powers of deduction, that allow Holmes to solves otherwise baffling crimes. (Represents Relationship Between both as Watson is Amazed by Holmes' Peculiar/Unique Skills).
• "I assure you, Holmes, that I marvel at the means by which you obtain your results in this case."


  Watson on Holmes - Watson openly admits his admiration for his companion, Sherlock Holmes. He makes no effort to disguise his wonder at Holmes' capacity for solving this mystery and is undaunted by Holmes' patronising response that it is 'simplicity itself'. (Linked to Relationship and How Watson is Amazed by Sherlock's Knowledge/Skills).
• I lost my bearings, and knew nothing, save that we seemed to be going a very long way. Sherlock Holmes was never at fault'


  Watson on Holmes - Watson is committed to Holmes and follows him into a range of potentially dangerous situations. Watson places his trust in Holmes entirely and has such loyalty that he sticks with his friend, even when he has lost track of his own whereabouts.
• "Worse still, she was rich."

  Watson on Mary (Chapter 7) - After Discovering his Love for Mary, He is concerned that any romantic advances that he might make will be seen as 'fortune-seeking'. He is also worried about taking advantage of her emotional state. Shows Severe difference between Social Classes and Genders. (Baker Street Irregulars).
• "You have attempted to tinge it with romanticism."


  Sherlock on Watson - Holmes accuses Watson of taking a fanciful approach to detection in his writing of 'A Study in Scarlet'. The characters are very different in their response to Holmes' detection work. Watson sees romance where Holmes observes cold facts. (Can be used in Relationship Differences Question). Shows How they have different approaches and Views.
• "Besides, I don't like that wooden-legged man, wi' his ugly face and outlandish talk."


  Mrs Smith on Jonathan Small (Chapter 8) - When Mrs Smith describes the one-legged man to Holmes and Watson, she paints an unpleasant picture. The reader is shown Mrs Smith's distrust and fear of Jonathan Small. His appearance is ugly and frightening, suggesting that his character is similarly unpleasant. (Can be Linked to Theme of Fear of Unknown).
• "The major was raving about his losses."


  Jonathan Small on Major Sholto - Small explains how he took advantage of the fact that Major Sholto was in debt. Small says he used the Major's financial situation to bargain for his own freedom. He promised the Major and Captain Morstan a share of the treasure if they would arrange a boat to rescue him and his comrades. This Emphasises How Jonathon Small is Villain in Novel as he took Advantage of Others Unfortunate Circumstances for his own Benefit.
• "When I found that he was devoted to me and would do anything to serve me, I saw my chance of escape."

  Jonathan Small on Tonga - Jonathon Small has no concern for other people (Selfish Character) and uses them to meet his own ends. (Linked to Previous Quote) In his bid to escape he takes advantage of Tonga's devotion. Small does not consider Tonga's needs or desires. Instead he ruthlessly abuses the islander's devotion to make his own 'escape'. (Uses others Unfortunate Circumstances).
• "his eyes blazed, and the handcuffs clanked together with the impassioned movement of his hands."

  Watson on Jonathan Small - The Term 'Blazed' often accosiated with Fires demonstrates the Rage in Jonathan Smalls Eyes after being Captured. This Metaphor also Heightens how the Villain is Presented as being Selfish and Ruthless. 'Impassioned' demonstrates the Strong Emotions felt by Jonathon Small. (E.g. Rage, Anger & Defeat).
• "I saw the fury and the passion of the man"


  Watson on Jonathan Small - Again, Represents the Strong and Emotional Feeling of Jonathon Small after being Caught by Sherlock and Holmes. Fury and Passion Suggest that Although Being Captured Jonathon Small still Experiences a Sense of Accomplishment as he is Passionate about the Murder of Bartholomew and Does not regret his Previous Decisions.
• "I have led a retired life, and have no friends whom I could appeal to."

  Mary - She leads a quiet life as a governess. The adjective 'retired' suggests a gentle and inexperienced character. This can Imply that due to Working with Children, Miss Mary Morstan has lived a very Private, Secluded and Undisturbed life, due to being Isolated and Focusing her Attention on Children rather than her Social Life.
• She wore a small turban of the same dull hue, relieved only by a suspicion of white feather in the side.


  Watson on Mary - The only adornment that Miss Morstan wears is a small white feather. Her modesty is shown in this token gesture of decoration. The white feather could be said to suggest her innocence as well as her modesty. Can Emphasise How Watson Observes Mary in Order to Discover all her Features as he is in awe by her Appearance.
• "Thank God!" I ejaculated from my very heart.


  Watson on Mary - When he discovers that there will be no suspicion of an ulterior motive, Watson admits his love for Miss Morstan. Watson shouts out in joy and relief when he discovers that there is no inheritance and therefore no 'golden barrier' between him and Miss Morstan. (Can be Linked to the Fear of Social Inequality as Watson was fearful of the Social Barrier between him and Mary Despite his Love and Admiration for her).
• "Miss Morstan appeared to have a soothing effect upon her."


  Watson on Mary - She is quiet and able to offer comfort to the housekeeper at Pondicherry Lodge, After they Discovered the Death of Bartholomew Sholto. The housekeeper is hysterical, but Miss Morstan's calm manner has an almost instant effect. This also Heightens Watson's Strong Admiration for Miss Morstan as he is impressed by her soothing tone & Capability to calm down others in Distress.
• "He was clearly a confirmed hypochondriac"


  Watson on Thaddeus - Thaddeus worries constantly about his own health. As soon as he discovers that Watson is a doctor, Thaddeus asks him to listen to his heart. Thaddeus is oblivious to Miss Morstan's distress and focuses only on his own problems as they travel to Pondicherry Lodge. (Can also be seen as a Selfish Character)
• He writhed his hands together as he stood, and his features were in a perpetual jerk.


  Watson on Thaddeus - He seems to be constantly twitching and moving in a nervous manner. The words 'writhed' and 'jerk' describe awkward and uncomfortable movements, making Thaddeus appear anxious and uncomfortable. Perpetual - occurring repeatedly; so frequent as to seem endless and uninterrupted. The Phrase 'Perpetual' can therefore Heighten How Thaddeus is Extremely Distressed and overwrought as his Face continuously 'Jerks'.
• "The richest and glossiest of curtains and tapestries draped the walls"


  Watson on Thaddeus' house - Thaddeus fills his house with extravagant decorations. The luxury of Sholto's apartment seems absurd compared with the outward appearance of the house. This insistence on opulence makes him appear eccentric.
• Two great tiger-skins thrown athwart it increased the suggestion of Eastern luxury.


  Watson on Thaddeus - Sholto's apartment is lavishly decorated with items from the East. The empire was, for many Victorians, symbolic of wealth and power. Thaddeus' home encapsulates this idea. Through the treasure and the luxurious decorations of Sholto's house, Conan Doyle associates luxury with the empire.
• He was very fearful of going out along, and he always employed two prize-fighters to act as porters at Pondicherry Lodge


  Watson on Thaddeus - Conan Doyle shows how greed leaves Sholto in a permanent state of fear. Sholto lives under a self-imposed house arrest as a result of his greed and fear of being discovered. This can be linked to the Fear of the Unknown as it had not yet been discovered that Thaddeus was accosiated with the Treasure Stolen from the Empire which was under British Rule.
• "Confirms it in every respect," said the fat detective, pompously.


  Watson on Athelney Jones - The police inspector is dismissive of Holmes' theories about the perpetrator of the crime, and makes a wrongful arrest. The word 'fat' suggests a somewhat comical appearance and contrasts with Holmes. He speaks 'pompously' implying that he has jumped to his conclusion too quickly.
• "There is nothing more unaesthetic than a policeman."

  Thaddeus on Athelney Jones - The police are presented as being of a lower social status in this novel. Thaddeus shows a snobbish attitude to the police and Holmes is also dismissive of their intellectual capabilities. (Can be Linked to the idea of the Police Force being Untrustworthy due to it being recently Introduced by Robert Peel).
• When he 'discovers' the trapdoor to the roof at Pondicherry Lodge, he is quickly 'crestfallen' when Holmes explains that he was the one who opened it.


  Watson on Athelney Jones - Mr Athelney Jones is presented as a somewhat comic character. His blustering nature is in contrast with the composure of Sherlock Holmes. Holmes responds to Jones' attempts to find the murderer with a calm manner that makes police detective appear foolish and slow-witted. Can be Linked to idea of the Police Force being Untrustworthy due to it being recently Introduced by Robert Peel.
• His expression was downcast, and his bearing meek and even apologetic.


  Watson on Athelney Jones - When it turns out that Thaddeus Sholto has a firm alibi for the night of Bartholomew's murder, Jones returns self-effacingly to ask for Holmes' help. This contrasts to earlier meetings with Jones, when he has appeared as overly confident and self-assured. (Can Also be linked to Police Force being recently Introduced).
• "You are a wronged woman, and shall have justice."


  Holmes to Mary - Miss Mary Morstan shows Holmes a letter she has received that says she deserves justice. The mystery is established, and the reader is intrigued to discover what sort of justice she is owed. The safety of Miss Morstan's father is also in question. (Linked to Theme of Evil and Justice).
• "Never have I seen features so deeply marked with all bestiality and cruelty."

  Tonga - The character of Tonga is presented as the embodiment of evil in this novel. When Watson sees the islander on the boat, he is struck with the savage appearance of the man. This can also be linked to the Theme of Evil and Justice as Tonga is depicted as inherently savage and malicious. He is Exploited and Used by Jonathon Small presenting Small as a Selfless and Egocentric Character.
• "This savage, distorted creature."

  Tonga - The character of Tonga represents a Victorian fear of otherness. Tonga is presented as less than human. He is 'savage', 'distorted' and murderous, supporting the Victorian belief that other races were somehow inferior and dangerous. (Can be Linked to the Fear of Unknown as Tongs is as Inferior and Dangerous due to being of another Race).
• "I have a natural shrinking from all forms of rough materialism. I seldom come in contact with the rough crowd."

  Thaddeus on the working class - Thaddeus Sholto keeps himself separate from other social classes and surrounds himself with elegance. Thaddeus embodies the fear of mixing with uncivilised people and surrounds himself with art. (Fear of the Underclass/Can be Linked to Capitalism Exploiting Lower Classes).
• "The savage instincts of his companion had broken out."

  Tonga - The character of Tonga is presented as barely human. The idea that his instincts would be murderous creates a crude image of the islander. This upholds the Victorian ideas of empire in which the colonised people were seen as savages. This can be Linked to the Theme of Empire and imperialism as the appearance in London of Tonga, the islander, could be perceived as threatening. (The people of imperialised countries are seen as 'savage'.)
• "He was staunch and true, was little Tonga. No man ever had a more faithful mate."


  Jonathan Small on Tonga's loyalty - Small suggests that Tonga was devoted to him as if he were a god. The devotion shown by Tonga seems naïve and reflects the attitudes of Victorian society towards the empire. The word 'little' is patronising and lacks empathy or respect for the islander. Can be Linked to the Theme of Empire & Imperialism as Jonathon Small Exploited Tonga who was from the Empire.
• "We earned a living at this time by exhibiting poor Tonga at fairs and other such places as the black cannibal."


  Jonathan Small on exploiting Tonga - Small explains that he made money by presenting Tonga as a fairground attraction. This highlights the Victorian attitudes towards people from the imperialised lands. This Can be Linked to Both the Themes of Fear of Unknown and Empire and imperialism as to Victorian Society Tonga was seen as an Attraction and not a Human Figure.