The Sign of the Four

8 ways to start a deeper conversation.

Contains spoilers for the entire book.

Discussion topics

Topic 01 of 08

What does the opening scene of Holmes and the cocaine bottle tell you about him?

There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.

What does the opening scene of Holmes and the cocaine bottle tell you about him?
Keep the conversation going
- Why does he need a case so badly?
- What does Watson's concern show about their friendship?
What does Mary Morstan bring to the story?
Keep the conversation going
- How did you feel about Watson falling in love with her?
- What did you make of the pearls she received every year?
What did you make of the Sholto brothers?
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- How do Thaddeus and Bartholomew differ?
- What does their father's guilty secret reveal?
Which clue at Pondicherry Lodge impressed you most?
Keep the conversation going
- How does Toby the dog help?
- What did you make of the Baker Street Irregulars?
How did the river chase down the Thames grip you?
Keep the conversation going
- What does the chase add to the detective story?
- How did Holmes find the launch?
Did Jonathan Small's story change how you saw him?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of the Agra treasure and the pact of the four?
- Who wronged whom?
How does the novel portray India and the people from it, and how do you respond to that today?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of the portrayal of Tonga?
- What does the treasure story say about empire?
Why does Watson feel relieved when the treasure is lost?
Keep the conversation going
- What does Mary's reaction show?
- What does Holmes get from the case, compared with Watson?

There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.