05b-Sign of Four 1-29

You will begin posting individual replies to the questions below in class on Jan 24th, focusing on questions 1, 3-6, and 8.  During or after class on Jan 29th, you will complete your replies to questions 1, 3-6 and 8 and begin your discussion and posting to questions 2, 7, and 9.  If you miss either class, you have to answer all the questions on your own after watching the Granada TV adaptation of The Sign of Four.     

What do you think of Holmes?  Is he an eccentric and/or unusual person?  How so?   

1. After you have watched the Granada TV adaptation of The Sign of Four, we will return to Holmes’ character and I will ask you if Jeremy Brett’s interpretation of his character is different from what you expected based on your general knowledge of Holmes or any specific stories you have read or seen.    
2. What is Watson’s role in the story?  How does he interact with Holmes?  Is his presence essential?   
3. What is Holmes’ method?  What techniques does he employ in solving the case?  Be specific and list as many elements as you can.   
4. What is Holmes’ relationship to the police?  Does he respect them?  What do they think of his methods?  How do the Baker Street Irregulars and Toby contribute to his work?  
5. What is the impact of Jonathan Small’s narrative on your view of the case?  What is Holmes’ reaction to Small’s story?  
6. After you have watched the Granada TV adaptation of The Sign of Four, we will return to Jonathan Small and I will ask you if his character–and Holmes’ reaction–in the adaptation is different from what you expected based on your reading of Doyle’s story.     
7. How are foreigners portrayed?  Discuss both Tonga and the Indians.      
8. After you have watched the Granada TV adaptation of The Sign of Four, we will return to Tonga and the Indians and I will ask you if their characters–and Holmes’ reaction to them–in the adaptation is different from what you expected based on your reading of Doyle’s story.  

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