Exploring the presentation of detectives in The Sign of Four
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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