The Sign of the Four: Key Quotations (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Note

Key Quotations

Remember the assessment objectives explicitly state that you should be able to “use textual references, including quotations”. This means summarising, paraphrasing, referencing single words and referencing plot events are all as valid as quotations in demonstrating that you understand the text. It is important that you remember that you can evidence your knowledge of the text in these two equally valid ways: both through references to it and direct quotations from it. 

Overall, you should aim to secure a strong knowledge of the text, rather than rehearsed quotations, as this will enable you to respond to the question. It is the quality of your knowledge of the text which will enable you to select references effectively.

If you are going to revise quotations, the best way is to group them by character or theme. Below you will find definitions and analysis of the best quotations, arranged by the following themes:

• Justice and crime

• Greed and obsession

• Colonialism

Justice and crime

The theme of justice and crime is explored through the narrative's central mystery and the characters' quest for truth and retribution.

 “You are a wronged woman, and shall have justice” – Sherlock Holmes, Chapter II

Meaning and context

• This quote is spoken by Holmes to Mary

Analysis

• This quote carries significant meaning within the context of the novella and reflects Holmes’ commitment to pursuing justice and righting the wrongs that have been done to Mary

• By acknowledging Mary as a “wronged woman”, Holmes recognises the injustice she has endured and expresses his determination to rectify the situation

• The quote signifies Holmes’ role as a champion of justice as he is driven by a strong sense of moral duty to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who have been wronged 

“His great powers, his masterly manner” – Watson (the narrator), Chapter I

Meaning and context

• This quote appears in Chapter I and describes the character of Holmes

Analysis

• This quote demonstrates Holmes’ exceptional abilities and commanding presence

• The phrase “his great powers” conveys his exceptional intellect and he is presented as having superior deductive reasoning and a remarkable attention to detail

• The phrase “masterly manner” emphasises Holmes’ confident and authoritative demeanour in solving crimes 

“My mind …rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram” – Sherlock Holmes, Chapter I

“My mind[…]rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram, or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere” – Sherlock Holmes, Chapter I

Meaning and context

• This quote is spoken by Holmes and reflects his motivation for his work

Analysis

• In this quote, Holmes expresses his inherent restlessness and his need for intellectual stimulation

• Holmes thrives in an environment where his mind is actively engaged and he is committed to the ideals of justice

• He rejects the idea of a stagnant or unchallenging existence, seeking instead the thrill and engagement of solving complex problems

• He considers the pursuit of intellectual challenges as his “proper atmosphere”, suggesting that unravelling mysteries and crimes is where he feels most comfortable 

Greed and obsession

Greed and obsession are prevalent themes in the novella. Various characters are motivated by their desires for wealth and power and Conan Doyle emphasises the destructive consequences of unchecked greed.

“For me, there still remains the cocaine-bottle” – Sherlock Holmes, Chapter XII

“For me,” said Sherlock Holmes, “there still remains the cocaine-bottle” – Sherlock Holmes, Chapter XII

Meaning and context

• This quote appears in Chapter XII of the novella and is spoken by Holmes regarding his habit of cocaine

Analysis

• In this quote Holmes is referring to his occasional use of cocaine as a form of self-medication or escape which signifies Holmes’ own personal struggles and temptations

• Despite engaging in the intellectually stimulating work he encounters, there is still the temptation to turn to cocaine as a means to cope with periods of boredom or inactivity 

• This reveals Holmes’ flaw and his vulnerability as a character and Conan Doyle uses it to humanise Holmes’ character which adds depth and nuance to him

• His use of cocaine is not gloried in the novella, but is presented as an obsessive habit 

Colonialism

Set during the height of the imperialistic era, the novella subtly explores the consequences and moral complexities of British colonial rule.

“They are naturally hideous, having large, misshapen heads, small, fierce eyes, and distorted features” – Sherlock Holmes, Chapter VIII

Meaning and context

• This quote is a description of the Andaman Island tribes, read by Holmes to Watson

Analysis

• This quote reflects the racist attitudes prevalent during the Victorian era and provides insight into the mindset of the characters in the novella

• The use of words like “misshapen”, “fierce” and “distorted” is derogatoryand reinforces negative stereotypes about non-European cultures

• This quote reflects the prevailing colonial perspective that characterised non-Western cultures as primitive, uncivilised and inferior

• It demonstrates a lack of understanding and respect for the diversity and complexities of different ethnic groups and presents harmful generalisations based on physical appearances 

Sources

Doyle, Arthur Conan. “The Sign of the Four.” Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2097/2097-h/2097-h.htm.