The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle: A Deep Dive into Mystery, Adventure, and Victorian Society
Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Sign of Four,” first published in 1890, is the second novel to feature the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson. This work not only solidifies Holmes’ position as a master detective but also delves into themes of colonialism, greed, and romance. Set in the dense fog of Victorian London, the novel combines a thrilling mystery with a rich social commentary, making it a significant piece in the canon of detective fiction.
The Plot: A Brief Overview
The story begins with Miss Mary Morstan visiting Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson at 221B Baker Street. She presents them with a perplexing case involving the disappearance of her father, Captain Arthur Morstan, who vanished ten years earlier, and a series of mysterious gifts she has received annually—large, lustrous pearls. Additionally, she has recently received a letter promising justice and urging her to bring two friends to meet an unknown sender.
Holmes, Watson, and Miss Morstan meet Thaddeus Sholto, who reveals that his father, Major John Sholto, was Captain Morstan’s friend and had hidden a treasure he had acquired in India. Upon Major Sholto’s death, the treasure’s location remained undisclosed, and Thaddeus’s brother, Bartholomew, has recently discovered it. However, upon visiting Bartholomew, they find him dead under mysterious circumstances and the treasure missing.
The investigation leads Holmes and Watson into the heart of London, tracing clues to a peg-legged man named Jonathan Small and his associate, Tonga. Small reveals that the treasure was part of a pact made during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and recounts his tale of betrayal and retribution. The story concludes with the recovery of the treasure, which is ultimately lost, and Watson’s proposal to Miss Morstan, which she accepts.
Sherlock Holmes: The Quintessential Detective
Sherlock Holmes, the central figure of “The Sign of Four,” embodies the quintessential detective: brilliant, eccentric, and methodical. His keen powers of observation and deduction are on full display throughout the novel. From analyzing footprints to interpreting the significance of a thorn-tipped dart, Holmes’ methods are both scientific and seemingly supernatural.
Holmes’ character in this novel is marked by his relentless pursuit of truth and justice. His detachment from emotional considerations allows him to focus entirely on the logical and analytical aspects of the case. This is highlighted in the novel’s opening scenes, where Holmes is found injecting himself with a 7% solution of cocaine to combat the ennui that envelops him in the absence of stimulating cases. His addiction is a testament to his need for intellectual engagement and serves as an early exploration of the complexities of his character.
Holmes’ relationship with Watson is also further developed in “The Sign of Four.” While Holmes is the analytical mind, Watson serves as his chronicler and moral compass. Their dynamic is a crucial element of the novel, providing both narrative structure and emotional depth. Watson’s admiration for Holmes is tempered by his concern for his friend’s well-being, and this balance is essential to the story’s progression.
Dr. John Watson: The Everyman
Dr. John Watson, the novel’s narrator, is the everyman through whose eyes the reader experiences the adventure. His character provides a counterbalance to Holmes’ eccentricity, grounding the story in a more relatable reality. Watson’s role extends beyond that of a mere sidekick; he is a vital participant in the investigation and serves as a bridge between Holmes and the reader.
Watson’s romantic subplot with Miss Mary Morstan adds an additional layer to his character. His growing affection for Mary and his eventual proposal bring a humanizing element to the story. This subplot contrasts sharply with Holmes’ singular focus on the case, highlighting Watson’s more emotional and empathetic nature.
Watson’s narrative style is straightforward and clear, providing a counterpoint to Holmes’ often convoluted reasoning. His descriptions of Holmes’ methods and their joint experiences offer insight into both the detective’s brilliance and the darker, more dangerous aspects of their adventures. Watson’s loyalty and bravery are evident throughout the novel, cementing his role as an indispensable partner to Holmes.
Miss Mary Morstan: The Damsel with Depth
Miss Mary Morstan is introduced as the damsel in distress, but her character possesses a depth that elevates her beyond a mere plot device. Her grace under pressure, intelligence, and moral fortitude make her a compelling character. Despite the perilous situation she finds herself in, Mary remains composed and proactive, actively participating in the investigation rather than passively awaiting rescue.
Her interactions with Watson reveal a mutual respect and burgeoning affection that adds a romantic dimension to the story. Mary’s inheritance of the treasure and her subsequent reaction to its loss further highlight her virtuous character. She values honesty and integrity over wealth, making her an ideal match for Watson.
Mary’s role in the novel also serves to humanize the male protagonists. Her presence brings out Watson’s protective instincts and offers a glimpse into Holmes’ capacity for empathy, as seen in his considerate treatment of her throughout the investigation. Mary Morstan’s character thus enriches the narrative, providing emotional depth and complexity.
Jonathan Small: The Villain with a Cause
Jonathan Small, the primary antagonist, is a complex character whose motivations and background are meticulously detailed. His story, recounted in a dramatic monologue, reveals a man driven by a sense of betrayal and a desire for revenge. Small’s involvement in the Indian Rebellion and his subsequent capture and imprisonment form the crux of his narrative.
Small’s tale of the Agra treasure, hidden and then stolen by Major Sholto, is a story of greed and betrayal. His pursuit of the treasure is not merely for wealth but as a means to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. This motivation adds a layer of depth to his character, making him more than a simple villain. Small’s partnership with Tonga, a native of the Andaman Islands, further complicates his character, highlighting themes of colonialism and exploitation.
Conan Doyle’s portrayal of Small is nuanced, eliciting both sympathy and revulsion. Small’s physical disability—his peg leg—serves as a metaphor for his fractured life and unrelenting determination. Despite his criminal actions, Small’s sense of justice and his bond with Tonga provide a glimpse into his humanity, making him a memorable and multifaceted antagonist.
Tonga: The Enigmatic Accomplice
Tonga, Jonathan Small’s accomplice, is a character shrouded in mystery and racial stereotypes. Representing the exotic “other,” Tonga is depicted as a fierce and loyal companion to Small. His portrayal, however, is marred by the prejudices of the time, presenting him as a savage and menacing figure.
Tonga’s actions, including the murder of Bartholomew Sholto, underscore the violent lengths to which he and Small are willing to go to reclaim the treasure. Despite this, his loyalty to Small and his role in the narrative reveal a bond forged through shared hardship and mutual dependence.
Tonga’s character, while problematic by modern standards, serves to highlight the themes of colonialism and the British Empire’s exploitation of foreign lands and peoples. His depiction is a reflection of the Victorian era’s attitudes towards race and the complexities of cultural interactions during the time.
Major Sholto and Captain Morstan: The Catalyst Characters
Major John Sholto and Captain Arthur Morstan are pivotal characters whose actions set the story in motion. Their involvement in the theft of the Agra treasure and the subsequent fallout drive the plot and provide the mystery that Holmes and Watson must unravel.
Major Sholto’s betrayal of his companions and his concealment of the treasure lead to his own demise and the death of Bartholomew Sholto. His actions are a testament to the corrupting influence of greed and the moral consequences of betrayal. Sholto’s character, though deceased by the time the main events unfold, looms large over the narrative, influencing the actions of his sons and the fate of the treasure.
Captain Morstan’s disappearance and the mystery surrounding his fate add another layer to the intrigue. His connection to the Agra treasure and his friendship with Sholto provide the initial link that brings Mary Morstan to Holmes and Watson. Morstan’s character, though less developed than Sholto’s, is essential to the story’s framework, serving as the catalyst for the unfolding drama.
Themes of Colonialism and Greed
“The Sign of Four” delves deeply into themes of colonialism and greed, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of the British Empire. The Agra treasure, a central element of the plot, symbolizes the wealth extracted from colonized lands and the moral ambiguity surrounding its acquisition.
Jonathan Small’s narrative highlights the darker aspects of colonialism, including betrayal, exploitation, and the corrupting influence of wealth. The treasure’s journey—from its origin in India to its concealment by Sholto and its eventual loss—serves as a metaphor for the transient and often destructive nature of colonial riches.
The novel also critiques the greed that drives many of the characters’ actions. Major Sholto’s betrayal of his comrades and his obsessive secrecy lead to his and his son’s deaths. Similarly, Jonathan Small’s relentless pursuit of the treasure, despite its ultimate futility, underscores the destructive power of avarice. Conan Doyle’s portrayal of these themes reflects a critical perspective on the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in the colonial enterprise.
Victorian Society and Social Commentary
“The Sign of Four” offers a vivid depiction of Victorian society, capturing its social hierarchies, cultural attitudes, and moral complexities. The novel’s setting in London, with its foggy streets and bustling activity, provides a rich backdrop for the unfolding mystery.
The characters’ interactions and the social dynamics at play reflect the rigid class distinctions and societal expectations of the time.