Orientation:
The Sign of Four, originally published in 1890, is the second Sherlock Holmes novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes' ever faithful sidekick, Dr. Watson, narrates this tale that will have them searching the streets of London for a thief, a fiendish murderer, and a treasure.
Interpretative Recount:
This story begins with Dr. Watson advising Sherlock Holmes against dabbling with drugs because of the long-term dangers. Then, Holmes is asked to observe a watch and deduces the habits of the previous owner. When he is observing, Miss Mary Morstan visits with her problem. Her father mysteriously disappeared ten years earlier. For the last six years she received a large pearl in the mail. Now she received a letter telling her she was wronged and asking for a meeting. Holmes and Watson will accompany her. Their carriage arrives at a house in a new terrace. They meet Thaddeus Sholto, one of the sons of Major Sholto, the best friend of Mary Morstan's father, Captain Morstan. Thaddeus tells why he knows about the story. His brother, Bartholomew discovered the hidden treasure. When they arrive they find Bartholomew murdered in a locked room and the treasure missing! The police are called. They arrest Thaddeus and the servants as accomplices.
Sherlock Holmes borrowed a dog to follow the scent of the small man who stepped in creosote. They follow the scent to the water's edge; they look around and find information. Holmes sends the Baker Street Irregulars to search for the missing steam launch. Holmes himself locates the `Aurora', and the police launch later chases it downstream in a wild chase. Holmes and Watson shoot the Andaman islander, and then Jonathan Small is captured with the treasure chest. Watson gained a treasure. Small tells about the Agra treasure from the time of the India Mutiny.
The story about the Agra fort and the mutiny shows the attitudes of the English public. The English conquered India for its loot, just as in other wars. But the Four decided to enrich themselves and follow the example set by the royal rulers, English or Indian. A double-dealing rajah straddled the conflict and split his assets; it failed because of others who took advantage of their position. But their plan failed because of an unforeseen watcher. The Four who killed for riches were swindled out of their fortune by a clever liar who took advantage of his position.
Evaluation:
The first three fourths of this book were surprisingly easy to read. Though the writing style is somewhat formal, it doesn't feel dated, and it's easy to forget you're reading something written over a century ago. The story starts off quickly giving insight into both men's personalities – Holmes with his penchant for drug use to escape boredom and Watson with his insecurities. It's fascinating to see the deductive reasoning that Sherlock Holmes is so well known for played out in the earlier chapters. The excitement builds as the men near the end of their search. However, it sort of fell flat in the last few chapters.
Evaluative Summation:
Perhaps not the finest example of Arthur Conan Doyle's talent, but The Sign of Four is certainly entertaining. The developments of Holmes and Watson in this particular book are for more interesting, though, than the plot.
By. Rufiah Ning Asrianti
2201408019
The Sign of Four, originally published in 1890, is the second Sherlock Holmes novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes' ever faithful sidekick, Dr. Watson, narrates this tale that will have them searching the streets of London for a thief, a fiendish murderer, and a treasure.
Interpretative Recount:
This story begins with Dr. Watson advising Sherlock Holmes against dabbling with drugs because of the long-term dangers. Then, Holmes is asked to observe a watch and deduces the habits of the previous owner. When he is observing, Miss Mary Morstan visits with her problem. Her father mysteriously disappeared ten years earlier. For the last six years she received a large pearl in the mail. Now she received a letter telling her she was wronged and asking for a meeting. Holmes and Watson will accompany her. Their carriage arrives at a house in a new terrace. They meet Thaddeus Sholto, one of the sons of Major Sholto, the best friend of Mary Morstan's father, Captain Morstan. Thaddeus tells why he knows about the story. His brother, Bartholomew discovered the hidden treasure. When they arrive they find Bartholomew murdered in a locked room and the treasure missing! The police are called. They arrest Thaddeus and the servants as accomplices.
Sherlock Holmes borrowed a dog to follow the scent of the small man who stepped in creosote. They follow the scent to the water's edge; they look around and find information. Holmes sends the Baker Street Irregulars to search for the missing steam launch. Holmes himself locates the `Aurora', and the police launch later chases it downstream in a wild chase. Holmes and Watson shoot the Andaman islander, and then Jonathan Small is captured with the treasure chest. Watson gained a treasure. Small tells about the Agra treasure from the time of the India Mutiny.
The story about the Agra fort and the mutiny shows the attitudes of the English public. The English conquered India for its loot, just as in other wars. But the Four decided to enrich themselves and follow the example set by the royal rulers, English or Indian. A double-dealing rajah straddled the conflict and split his assets; it failed because of others who took advantage of their position. But their plan failed because of an unforeseen watcher. The Four who killed for riches were swindled out of their fortune by a clever liar who took advantage of his position.
Evaluation:
The first three fourths of this book were surprisingly easy to read. Though the writing style is somewhat formal, it doesn't feel dated, and it's easy to forget you're reading something written over a century ago. The story starts off quickly giving insight into both men's personalities – Holmes with his penchant for drug use to escape boredom and Watson with his insecurities. It's fascinating to see the deductive reasoning that Sherlock Holmes is so well known for played out in the earlier chapters. The excitement builds as the men near the end of their search. However, it sort of fell flat in the last few chapters.
Evaluative Summation:
Perhaps not the finest example of Arthur Conan Doyle's talent, but The Sign of Four is certainly entertaining. The developments of Holmes and Watson in this particular book are for more interesting, though, than the plot.
By. Rufiah Ning Asrianti
2201408019
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