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Summary GCSE English Literature Quotation Bank: The Sign of Four
Quotation bank for 'The Sign of Four' with Grade 9 level analysis.
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Character/Theme Quotation AnalysisHolmes - Detached 'Emotional qualities are 'antagonistic' - hostile, goes against everything
antagonistic to clear he respects and values
reasoning' 'mere units' - dehumanising, dismissive - sees
'A client to me is a mere unit, people as units/tools to relieve his boredom,
a factor in the problem' derogatory, units - uniform, does not view them
as individuals who are autonomous but instead
as 'factors' comparing them in likeness to clues
in a case.
adjective 'mere' highlights how insignificant and
trivial clients are to Holmes, more shocking and
insensitive as the clients come to Holmes for
help and trust him with their innermost secrets
and fears and he regards them with contempt
and arrogance - shows Holmes' detached
nature as despite the intimate relationship with
his clients, in that they reveal to him their secrets
and concerns, he still views them as 'units'.
Everything in his life revolves around work -
doesn't view them as people (just a means to an
end)
'a' - one of many
Holmes - Detached 'You really are an automaton, Foil to Watson - Holmes' impudent nature
a calculating machine' complemented by Watson's kindness and emotion -
(Watson says the quotation itself in an indignant
tone (he 'cries'), showing his emotional capacity)
inhuman, careless, unemotional, scientific -
Automatons/ machines used to calculate and
solve equations very quickly and precisely -
shows Holmes' acute talent is like that of a
computer, it dehumanises him and distances
him from the reader. The reader is instead led to
be in awe of Holmes' fastidious nature and
astute mind - perspicacious
Reader has a much more intimate relationship
with Watson. As the narrator we view the case
through Watson's lens as he takes up the role of
a surrogate reader - allowing the reader to
empathise with him. Furthermore, we get an
insight into his innermost desires and emotions.
Therefore, the relationship of the characters with
the reader also shows how Watson is a foil to
Holmes - through the narrative perspective, we
see Watson as an inherently emotional man
whereas throughout the novella it is made
obvious of Holmes' austere, calculating nature.
Holmes - Detached 'I glanced over it' Characteristic rebuke of Holmes - devoid of all
'I cannot congratulate you human emotion and social etiquette.
upon it' 'cannot'- the cold, scientific reason he reveres
'detection is an exact science above all else prevents him from feeling any
and should be treated in the emotion, implies it is obligatory - he has no
, same unemotional manner' choice
'tinge it with romanticism' 'tinge' - as if Watson has blemished the case -
implication that sentiment is blighting
'Exact', 'unemotional' - reflects Holmes'
personality, he is impervious to emotion
'glanced' - indifferent, nonchalant - further
highlights Holmes' callous, aloof nature
Holmes - 'last and highest court of 'last' and 'highest' - superlatives, acknowledges
Vain/Arrogant appeal' his superiority, emphasises his narcissistic
nature.
'Court of appeal' is the highest court of authority
in the UK. Showing how Holmes' believes he is
above supreme authority. Further demonstrating
his egotism.
Holmes - (talking about police 'by the way' - colloquialism, subordinate clause,
Vain/Arrogant force)'out of their depths - dismissing casually, no regard for social
which by the way is their etiquette.
normal state - the matter is Mocking, patronising - use of humor satirises
laid before me' 19th century police force - which would have
been enjoyed by a Victorian reader
Conan Doyle is perhaps alluding to the
incompetence of the Victorian police force, in
regards to their inability to discover the culprit to
the White chapel murders. - allows a Victorian
reader to empathise with Holmes as many lost
faith in the police - the dichotomy between
Holmes and the Victorian police, not only
emphasises Holmes' prodigious talents, but also
endears Holmes towards the reader as they
have more confidence in his competence
(reassures)
Holmes - 'measuring, comparing, Asyndeton, triplets - emphasises Holmes'
Methodical/ examining' scrupulous nature. Creates rhythmic sentence
Clinically structure and highlights his logical progression
precise/fastidious and innate methodical nature. Triplet verbs
without nouns - emphasises his actions, showing
his immediate focus on the case.
The reader is in awe of Holmes instinctive
approach to solving the crime.
Holmes - 'You really are an automaton,
Methodical/ a calculating machine'
Clinically precise/
fastidious
Holmes - 'Holmes was never at fault, Meticulous attention to detail, superhuman
Methodical/ and he muttered the names nature
Clinically precise/ as the cab rattled in and out' Sets Holmes apart from others, whilst everyone
fastidious else was nervous, Holmes was 'never at fault'
Proves his theory that 'emotional qualities are
antagonistic to clear reasoning' - shows his
pragmatic qualities
, 'in and out' - presents the streets of London as
very confusing and winding, makes Holmes'
faultlessness in remembering the streets more
impressive to the reader.
Holmes - Mercurial 'For me, there still remains Represents the circularity of the case and his
the cocaine bottle' innate capricious nature. The contrast of his
temperament during and after a case reflects the
extremes of life as a detective (extreme apathy
and boredom compared to extreme avidity and
fascination)
'still remains' - represents continuity. Reminds
the reader that this was only one case and
highlights how this seemingly supernatural and
prodigious feat is a regular part of his lifestyle -
the distances the reader from him more and
leaving them more impressed and awestruck
Holmes - Mercurial 'She was much impressed by Surprises the reader - uncharacteristic for
your kindness' Holmes' typical discourteousness.
'You certainly are a model Objective recommendation makes the statement
client' more believable
Compared with: Shows Holmes' personality is entirely variable
'A client to me is a mere unit, and dependent on the situation he is in. It is
a factor in the problem' apparent that he shows more social awareness
and is seemingly much more personable when
on a case.
As the reader is already aware of Holmes'
intellect, his statement boosts the readers
opinion of Mary
Holmes - 'No I could not sleep, this Emphasises his almost neurotic personality.
Obsessive infernal problem is Sleep deprivation - used to be a form of torture,
consuming me' shows his inability to solve the case is like a
form of torture for him
Holmes is typically very perceptive , his inability
to solve the case will perhaps put the reader on
edge
'consuming' - shows how all of his energy and
attention is focused on the case.
'infernal' - ceaseless, shows the besetting nature
of the case, it has a permanent presence in his
mind
Holmes - 'My mind, rebels at 'rebels' - hyperbolic, emphasises his reliance on
Obsessive stagnation, give me work, work and mental stimulation. Also reflects
give me problems, give me Sherlock's personality - he pushes boundaries
the most abstruse in society and cannot exist in daily life.
cryptogram' 'Give' - imperative, anaphora, repetition (triplet) -
shows his dependence on work.
Holmes - 'I claim no credit, my name Sets him a7part from the Victorian police - more
Obsessive figures in no newspaper. reassuring for Victorian reader (they can be sure
Finding a field for my peculiar there is no corruption as Holmes is not
powers is my highest reward' interested in money or 'reward', instead his only
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