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Summary AQA GCSE English Literature 19th Century Novel - The Sign of Four Chapter 9
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AQA GCSE English Literature for 19th Century Novel - The Sign of Four by Arthur Conon Doyle CHAPTER 9
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Chapter 9 – A Break in the Chain The Aurora treasure is still missing – Holmes is ‘surprised and disappointed’ that there
are no new clues.
Character: Sherlock Holmes
The lack of progress makes Holmes ‘dejected’ and ‘morose’. He quickly becomes
depressed, as he was in Chapter 1 before the investigation. This shows how closely
Holmes’ mental wellbeing is linked to solving cases.
Watson goes to update Mary on the case. He feels a ‘thrill of joy’ when Mary only shows
‘small interest’ in the treasure. Watson’s preoccupation with Mary contrasts Holmes’
fixation on the case.
Doyle’s Techniques
Conon Doyle emphasises Holmes’ agitation in this chapter.
Mrs Hudson hears him pacing in his room and ‘muttering’ to himself.
Holmes describes the case as an ‘infernal problem’ that is ‘consuming’ him – he finds it
maddening that he can’t make progress.
He tries to occupy his mind with science – he does some complicated ‘chemical analysis’
late into the night, which suggests that he can’t settle.
Holmes’ frustration causes him to pursue the Aurora himself – he wants to regain
control of the case.
Watson wonders whether Holmes looks for ‘subtle’ and ‘bizarre’ explanations when
‘plainer’ once exist. This makes the reader question Holmes’ theories, which adds
tension because he offers the only hope of solving the case.
Doyle’s Techniques
Conon Doyle uses a telegram, a news article and an advert to tell the story while Watson
waits for Holmes to return. These reveal details such as the release of Thaddeus Sholto.
Athelney Jones arrives. He is ‘meek’ and ‘apologetic’, and he acknowledges Holmes’
superior skill. This makes Watson’s doubts seem unfounded.
Jones produces a telegram from Holmes that says he is ‘close on the track of the Sholto
gang’. This restores the reader’s confidence in Holmes.
An old man in ‘seafaring garb’ comes to Baker Street. The man is Holmes in disguise.
Watson is fooled, so the reader is also tricked – there is no reason to doubt Watson’s
description of the man.
Holmes has been ‘working’ in disguise because the ‘criminal classes’ can recognise him
by sight. This suggests that he has a reputation among criminals as well as those who
want to hire him.
Undercover police work was still quite new in the 19th century, so Holmes’ idea of using
a disguise would have seemed quite innovative.
Holmes says that Jones can take the ‘official credit’ for catching Small if he follows
Holmes’ orders. He uses Jones’ vanity to get what he need – he immediately asks for a
fast police boat.
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