Sherlock Holmes’s Second Novel

Introduction

The Sign of Four, published in 1890, is the second Sherlock Holmes novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Following the success of A Study in Scarlet, this novel expanded the detective’s world, introduced Mary Morstan (who would later marry Dr. John H. Watson), and cemented Holmes’s reputation as a literary phenomenon. Combining mystery, adventure, colonial history, and romance, it remains a cornerstone of the Sherlock Holmes canon.

Plot Overview

The novel begins with Mary Morstan seeking Holmes’s help to unravel the mystery of her father’s disappearance and a series of anonymous gifts. The investigation leads Holmes and Watson into a tale involving a hidden treasure, betrayal, and revenge dating back to colonial India. The case pits Holmes against Jonathan Small and his accomplice Tonga, culminating in a dramatic pursuit on the River Thames.

Major Themes

• Colonial Legacy: The novel reflects anxieties about the British Empire, treasure, and betrayal rooted in India’s colonial past.
• Romance: Watson’s growing affection for Mary Morstan adds emotional depth, contrasting with Holmes’s cold intellectualism.
• Holmes’s Methods: The story highlights Holmes’s deductive brilliance, from analysing footprints to chemical experiments.

Significance in the Canon

The Sign of Four introduced lasting elements to the Holmes mythos. It features one of the earliest mentions of Holmes’s cocaine use, showing his dependence on stimulation in the absence of challenging cases. It also provided readers with a fuller glimpse of Watson’s personal life, as his engagement to Mary becomes a turning point in the partnership with Holmes.

Notable Characters

• Mary Morstan: A governess and client of Holmes, later engaged to Watson.
• Jonathan Small: The main antagonist, motivated by betrayal and loss of treasure.
• Tonga: Small’s accomplice, whose portrayal reflects Victorian-era racial attitudes now recognised as problematic.

Adaptations

• Film: Adapted multiple times for cinema, including silent films in the early 20th century.
• Television: Featured in Granada Television’s series with Jeremy Brett, regarded as one of the most faithful adaptations.
• Modern Takes: Elements of the plot have been reworked in BBC’s Sherlock and other contemporary versions.

Conclusion

The Sign of Four remains a key work in Conan Doyle’s canon, blending thrilling adventure with personal stakes. It showcases Holmes’s unmatched analytical skills, Watson’s humanity, and Mary Morstan’s pivotal role in shaping the detective’s universe. Its mix of romance, empire, and deduction continues to engage readers and audiences over a century later.