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Summary AQA GCSE English Literature 19th Century Novel - The Sign of Four Chapter 10
AQA GCSE English Literature for 19th Century Novel - The Sign of Four by Arthur Conon Doyle CHAPTER 10
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Chapter 10 – The End of the Islander At the start of Chapter 10, Holmes is in a ‘state of nervous exaltation’. This suggests that
something exciting and important is going to happen in this chapter, which heightens
the reader’s anticipation.
Doyle’s Techniques
Doyle increases the suspense by hinting that there will be a high-speed steamboat chase
– Holmes, Watson and Jones board a ‘very fast’ police boat, and the Aurora is also
known for its speed.
The chase seems imminent. While undercover, Holmes found the Aurora at Jacobson’s
boatyard and learned that Small and his associate would be leaving on it at ‘eight o’clock
sharp’. It is ‘a little past seven’ when Holmes and the other get to their boat, so it is likely
the pursuit will happen soon.
Doyle’s Techniques
When the Aurora has been sighted and the chase begins, Doyle creates a sense of
urgency and excitement by using short sentences and exclamations, like ‘Heap it on,
stokers!’ which adds pace.
The Aurora ‘thundered on’ and the police boat’s engines are described as a ‘great
metallic heart’. This highlights the power and speed of the boats, which creates a sense
of energy and makes the chase thrilling.
The description of Small’s associate adds horror and danger to the chase. He is referred
as a ‘distorted creature’ who is ‘marked with all bestiality and cruelty’. This makes him
seem unnatural and monstrous.
The danger increases at the climax of the chase – Small’s ally fires a dart at the police
boat and is shot and killed by Watson and Holmes. It seems like Small might escape
when he jumps ashore, but his wooden leg gets stuck and he is captured. This ends the
sense of threat.
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