The Sign of Four Quiz
Test your knowledge of the characters, themes and quotes from The Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with this Quiz.
This quiz consists of 15 questions, the first 5 are multiple choice questions, the next 10 are short answer questions. Scroll down to start the quiz.
Questions
What is the reason for Mary Morstan’s initial visit to Sherlock Holmes?
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Which of the following best describes Sherlock Holmes’s attitude towards emotion and love?
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What is revealed about Jonathan Small’s role in the treasure plot?
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What is the significance of Tonga in the story?
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Which of the following themes is most prominent in The Sign of Four?
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How does Holmes use deduction at the start of the novel to impress Watson?
He deduces Watson’s recent activities and past military service just by observing his appearance and possessions, showcasing his powers of observation and logic.
What does the treasure symbolise in the novel?
The treasure symbolises greed, corruption, and lost hope. It brings misery rather than fortune, suggesting the futility of material wealth.
What is Watson’s attitude towards Mary Morstan?
Watson is immediately drawn to her. He respects her modesty and bravery and later develops romantic feelings, contrasting with Holmes’s emotional detachment.
How does Arthur Conan Doyle present Sherlock Holmes as a unique detective figure?
Holmes is portrayed as highly logical, scientific, and unemotional. His use of deduction, forensic knowledge, and sharp observation set him apart from others.
Identify a quote that shows Holmes’s view on emotion.
“Love is an emotional thing, and whatever is emotional is opposed to that true cold reason which I place above all things.” This shows Holmes’s prioritisation of logic over feeling.
What role does Athelney Jones play in the narrative?
He represents official police incompetence, often jumping to incorrect conclusions, which contrasts sharply with Holmes’s superior investigative abilities.
What is the significance of the Thames River chase scene?
It adds excitement and drama, while also symbolising Holmes’s relentless pursuit of truth. It also reinforces the exotic and dangerous nature of the criminals.
How does Conan Doyle use setting to create atmosphere? Give an example.
He uses dark, foggy London streets to build suspense and mystery, such as when Holmes and Watson follow clues through the eerie alleyways of the city.
How does Jonathan Small justify his actions at the end of the novel?
He claims he was betrayed and that the treasure brought nothing but suffering. He believes his actions were driven by broken trust and injustice, not pure greed.
What does The Sign of Four suggest about British attitudes to empire and colonialism?
The novel reflects both fascination and anxiety about empire, portraying the colonies as places of wealth and danger, and showing how imperial greed can lead to moral decay.
