Themes (The Sign of Four)
The section explores the key themes in the novel The Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In The Sign of Four, Conan Doyle intertwines themes of crime, colonialism, wealth, rationality, and class to create a rich and engaging narrative. Sherlock Holmes’ world is one where logic and deduction prevail, but underlying the mystery are deeper questions about justice, morality, and the human condition. These themes offer a glimpse into the concerns and contradictions of Victorian society, making the novel not just a detective story but also a reflection of its time.
Key Themes in the Novel
The Sign of Four explores several important themes, often reflective of the Victorian era in which it was written. The novel combines elements of mystery, adventure, and social commentary. Below are the key themes to consider in your revision.
Crime and Justice
At the heart of The Sign of Four is a complex crime involving theft, betrayal, and murder. This theme explores both the criminal acts committed and how justice is pursued throughout the novel.
Crime: The novel revolves around a stolen treasure, hidden by a secret pact between four convicts and two corrupt officers in India. The pursuit of this treasure leads to multiple criminal acts, including murder.
Justice: Sherlock Holmes represents the intellectual pursuit of justice, using logic and deduction to uncover the truth. However, the novel also raises questions about the fairness of the justice system, particularly in relation to colonialism and class inequality. For example, Jonathan Small feels wronged by the British authorities and seeks his own form of justice by reclaiming the treasure.
Colonialism and Empire
The novel is set during the height of the British Empire, and colonialism is a significant backdrop to the story.
The Indian Mutiny: The treasure at the centre of the plot is stolen during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, highlighting the British Empire’s exploitation of its colonies. The novel reflects Victorian attitudes towards colonial subjects, but also hints at the moral ambiguity of Britain’s actions in India.
Exoticism: Characters like Tonga, Small’s Andaman Islander companion, are portrayed in a manner that reflects the racist stereotypes of the time, depicting colonised peoples as 'other' and often barbaric. This portrayal contrasts sharply with the British characters, reflecting the imperial mind-set of superiority.
Greed and Wealth
The pursuit of wealth and its corrupting influence is central to the novel.
The Agra Treasure: The treasure is both a symbol of wealth and greed. Those who seek it; Major Sholto, Jonathan Small, and his accomplices, become morally compromised. Major Sholto betrays his friend, Captain Morstan, by hiding the treasure and living in constant fear of retribution.
Consequences of Greed: The novel suggests that greed leads to destruction. Major Sholto’s guilt and paranoia eventually lead to his death, and Jonathan Small’s relentless pursuit of the treasure results in his downfall.
Rationality vs. Emotion
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson represent two contrasting approaches to life: logic and reason versus emotion and human connection.
Holmes and Rationality: Holmes approaches every problem with pure logic, keeping his emotions firmly in check. His use of scientific methods to solve the case is central to the plot. Holmes views human emotion, including love, as a distraction from his work. This is highlighted when he dismisses Watson’s romantic feelings for Miss Morstan as irrelevant.
Watson and Emotion: In contrast, Watson is more emotional and sensitive. His growing affection for Miss Morstan adds a personal dimension to the story, and his admiration for Holmes often contrasts with his own more traditional values. Watson’s romantic subplot with Miss Morstan serves as a foil to Holmes’ detached rationality.
Friendship and Loyalty
Throughout the novel, friendship and loyalty play key roles, particularly in the relationship between Holmes and Watson.
Holmes and Watson: The bond between Holmes and Watson is one of mutual respect and loyalty. Watson’s willingness to support Holmes in his investigations, despite the dangers, underscores the importance of their friendship.
Loyalty among Criminals: Jonathan Small’s loyalty to his accomplices in the 'Sign of Four' is another important aspect of this theme. Despite the opportunity to betray them, he remains true to their pact, showing how loyalty can exist even in criminal enterprises.
Love and Relationships
The novel also explores the theme of love, primarily through the relationship between Dr. Watson and Mary Morstan.
Watson and Miss Morstan: Watson’s growing affection for Miss Morstan contrasts with the cold, calculating nature of Holmes. While Holmes views personal relationships as unimportant, Watson’s love for Mary provides a sense of warmth and humanity. Their relationship offers a romantic subplot to the otherwise darker themes of crime and greed.
Holmes and Detachment: Holmes’ lack of interest in romance highlights his singular devotion to his work. His detachment from emotional relationships is a key aspect of his character, showing his preference for intellectual fulfilment over personal connections.
Class and Society
The novel reflects the rigid class structures of Victorian England, with clear divisions between the upper, middle, and lower classes.
Upper and Middle Classes: Characters like Major Sholto and Captain Morstan represent the privileged classes who exploit colonial wealth for personal gain. Their actions, particularly Sholto’s betrayal, show how greed and corruption can thrive among the wealthy.
Working Class: In contrast, characters like Jonathan Small are depicted as victims of circumstance. Small’s bitterness towards the British authorities and his criminal behaviour reflect the frustrations of the lower classes, who are often powerless in the face of societal and imperial systems.
The Role of Women
The role of women in The Sign of Four is limited, reflecting the social norms of the time.
Mary Morstan: Miss Morstan is one of the few female characters in the novel, and she plays a relatively passive role. Although she is central to the mystery of her father’s disappearance and the treasure, she is portrayed as a delicate, modest, and idealised Victorian woman. Watson’s desire to protect and care for her reflects the period’s attitudes towards women’s roles in society.
Women’s Agency: Despite Miss Morstan’s involvement in the story, her lack of agency in determining the outcome of events highlights the limited roles women were expected to play during the Victorian era.
