Exploring the presentation of detectives in The Sign of Four
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An engaging classroom worksheet which helps students to focus on the presentation of detectives Holmes and Jones in short extracts from Chapters 6 and 9 of Arthur Conan Doyle's novella.
Students look at the key quotations to guide their analysis, and discuss what makes a successful fictional detective.
The resource is a complete lesson, with a starter, main activity, formative writing activity and a plenary task.
An extract from the lesson resource:
Have a look at the language Conan Doyle uses to describe the detectives. Comment on what each example suggests about the characters. The first ones have been done for you.
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Holmes |
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‘He whipped out his lens…and hurried about the room’ |
The verbs ‘whipped’ and ‘hurried’ convey Holmes’ speed and the sense of urgency he feels. |
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‘measuring, comparing, examining’ |
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‘his beady eyes gleaming and deep-set like those of a bird.’ |
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