‘The Sign of Four’ Learning Objective Should: Begin to read and understand Chapter 1 of ‘The Sign of Four’ and any unknown vocabulary. Could: Begin to understand Conan Doyle’s use of characterisation. Might: Begin to understand Conan Doyles’ narrative style.

The Science of Deduction Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantel-piece and his hypodermic syringe from its neat morocco case. With his long, white, nervous fingers he adjusted the delicate needle, and rolled back his left shirt-cuff. For some little time his eyes rested thoughtfully upon the sinewy forearm and wrist all dotted and scarred with innumerable puncture-marks. Finally he thrust the sharp point home, pressed down the tiny piston, and sank back into the velvet-lined arm-chair with a long sigh of satisfaction. The Science of Deduction

What’s happening here? What do we learn? List the nouns and noun phrases, verbs and verb phrases in this section. What do we learn about the character of Sherlock Holmes from this activity? Nouns and noun phrases Verbs and verb phrases “Sherlock Holmes” “took” “neat Morroco case” “adjusted” “long, white, nervous fingers” “rolled back”

Chapter 1 As we continue to read make sure you: Listen carefully Use your glossary to check any key words as we go along Put your hand up and ask if there are any extra words we need to add to our glossary Read to: “I even embodied it in a small brochure with the somewhat fantastic title of 'A Study in Scarlet.'"

Sherlock Holmes and Watson What do we learn about the two main characters in this opening part of the story? From whose perspective is – or who says – each of these quotes? What do the quotes tell us about their characters and their relationship? “I had become more irritable at the sight,” “his great powers, his masterly manner,” “he raised his eyes languidly” “he smiled at my vehemence” “All made me diffident and backward in crossing him.” “I answered, brusquely” “My mind … rebels at stagnation” “Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abtruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis,” “I abhor the dull routine of existence.”

Character Profiles Start a double page character profile in your books which look like this… Appearance Relationships Sherlock Holmes Important events Important quotes

Character Profiles Fill in what you can so far Appearance Relationships Doctor Watson Important events Important quotes Extension thoughts / discussion: how are Holmes and Watson contrasted in this opening section?

Chapter 1 As we continue to read make sure you: Listen carefully Use your glossary to check any key words as we go along Put your hand up and ask if there are any extra words we need to add to our glossary Read to: “Eliminate all other factors, and the one which remains must be the truth.”

What do you think? Think – pair – share What are opinions of Sherlock Holmes at this point in the novel? Think – pair – share Be prepared to justify your opinion with a quote from the text. I like him, he seems clever and helpful. I can’t stand him, he seems arrogant and conceited.

Read to the end of the chapter. As we continue to read make sure you: Listen carefully Use your glossary to check any key words as we go along Put your hand up and ask if there are any extra words we need to add to our glossary Read to the end of the chapter.

First, second, third person… Past, present, future tense… Narrative in Chapter 1 Chapter 1 of ‘The Sign of Four’ is told from the perspective of ______________; a quote that shows this is __________________. The novel is written in __________________ and ___________________; a quote that shows this is _____________________. Think – pair - share WHY do you think Doyle has written the book from this narrative viewpoint?

If there’s time…Extension … Watson makes several changes of emotion in Chapter 1 from the point when he hands the watch to Holmes until he says, ”I regret the injustice I did you…”. Make a bullet point list of the each emotion he feels, supported by a quotation from the text.

Go on! Challenge yourself. Homework Should: Fully update your Holmes and Watson character profiles based on the whole of Chapter 1. Could: Research how Holmes and Watson have been portrayed on screen. Print off a picture that you think best represents the characters we have met in Chapter 1 and stick them into the centre of your character profile sheets. Might: Watch an episode of a Sherlock Holmes programme – there are lots of versions, those with Benedict Cumberbatch are the most modern.

‘The Sign of Four’ Learning Objective Should: Begin to read and understand Chapter 1 of ‘The Sign of Four’ and any unknown vocabulary. Could: Begin to understand Conan Doyle’s use of characterisation. Might: Begin to understand Conan Doyles’ narrative style.