The Sign of Four Essay Example

The Sign of Four Essay Example The Sign of Four Paper The Sign of Four Paper The opening lines suggest that Holmes is a drug addict, alternating between morphine and cocaine, displayed when Watson asks:What is it today? I asked, morphine or cocaine? The drugs have physically taken their toll on Holmes, his white fingers take the needle before injecting the drug in to his sinewy forearm. Watson clearly objects to Holmes use of drugs, but is reluctant to protest, despite his knowledge of the dangers of drugs. Holmes accepts Watsons medical opinion, possibly because he is an army surgeon, however this is one of the rare times where Holmes acknowledges what Watson has to say. Watson is in awe of Holmes, he admires his great powers and repeatedly describes Holmes in an admirable fashion. Holmes can not stand being without work, and he takes drugs to pass the time, because he is restless. His mind rebels at stagnation. Holmes has an inflated opinion of himself, as he describes himself as superior over the police force, and that when Gregson, or Lestrade, or Athelney Jones are out of their depths which is their normal state, the matter is laid before me.  Holmes tends to show no emotion throughout the novel, the first time he shows this is in his critiscism of Watsons work you have attempted to tinge it with romantiscism. He says detection ought to be treated in an unemotional manner. Watson however, displays emotion frequently and it often hampers him in his work, but the romance was there he replies to Holmes critiscism. Watson looks up to Holmes almost like an older brother, and writes A Study in Scarlet specifically to please (him). Watson is irritated by (Holmes) egotism. His egotism surfaces again when he speaks of his French detective colleague. Watson describes the way the Frenchman speaks as a pupil to his master. Holmes is very knowledgable. He has several monographs, and he uses his knowledge to help him in his detection. Holmes takes the smallest details in to account or has Watson puts it an extraordinary genius for minutiae. Holmes uses his observations to deduce his answer, often assuming the most logical explanation, but not expecting an entirely accurate answer. Morstan seems confident from the way Watson describes her, she has a firm step. She possibly had a wealthy upbringing, but has recently come in to financial trouble. She is dressed in perfect taste but her clothes suggested they were created with limited means. Her lip (trembles) as she meets with Holmes, showing she is nervous.  Holmes delights at the prospect of a challenge, he rubbed his hands and his eyes glistened, for it means he has something to tax his mind with. He takes note of everything, opening his notebook. Marston must have been deeply saddened choking sob, and she can recall every detail, such as the exact day of the disappearance third of December 1878. It appears that many people seek guidance from Homles, examples include the Frenchman, Watson, Marston and later Athelney Jones. Watson must feel affection for her, as he gives her a admirable description in the opening paragraph, and that he replied ferverently to her question. He confirms this by calling her an attractive woman after her departure. Holmes is indifferent to this, prompting Watson to call him inhuman sometimes, rearding his lack of emotion. Holmes tells Watson not to allow your judgement to be biased by personal qualities. Holmes appears to be more upbeat when his mind his taxed. Holmes speaks to Watson as a pupil. He asks him questions that he already knows the answer to. Holmes is almost a mentor to Watson. At the end of the paragraph, Watson tries to convert to Holmes pattern of thinking by calling Marston a unit.  Holmes suffers from severe mood swings, a mood which alternated with fits of the blackest depression this is probably caused by his drugs. Watson seems to do a lot for Holmes, he poured out (tea) for him, but Holmes does not seem to do much in reply, concerning house keeping. When it comes to detective matters, Watson never disagrees with Holmes, ever. Holmes is very confident in his ability, which links in with his egotism. However, he takes no chances, and took his revolver with him.  Marston must have been close to Papa as she has a pet name for him. Watson describes a very gloomy scene outside, the mud coloured clouds drooped sadly. While Marston and Watson are slightly affected by emotion, Holmes rises superior over something as petty as emotion. Watson and Marston seem like excited children compared to the unflappable Homles.  Watson has clearly been used to a wealthy lifestyle, he shows this in the scornful way he describes the third rate house. Holmes shows this same first classness about him when he describes the area as not very fashionable. Watson is very distrustful towards the bald headed man as he gives a very negative description of him and his home. The home is described as sordid and common. Thaddeus lives with quite luxurious and Oriental furnishings such as a hookah. Watson has become very defensive for Marstons sake, which could be taken as sign of his affection for her. Thaddeus seems to be a trusting man towards his close companions, but he opposes the police or rough crowds. He describes Bartholomew as more superior to him. He must also have had a very wealthy upbring as he speaks of having to pay a large sum to hush it up. Major Sholto seems to have been greedy and more concerned of damaging his reputation than anything else, even at the expense of his friend. While Thaddeus seems very apologetic, and in giving the pearls to Marston he attempts to apologise, Bartholomew appears to have inherited his fathers greediness, and was reluctant to give over the pearls. Thaddeus seems to be in awe of his brother, who used Holmes-like methods to find the treasure. Thaddeus seems to be able to rise above the temptation of the treasure, whilst the others, apart from Holmes, seem entranced by the thought.