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© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

“The Sign of Four” Chapter 12 “The Strange Story of Jonathan Small” Lesson:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E2b: Produce a response to literature that demonstrates an understanding of the literary work. E1b: Evaluate writing strategies and elements of an author’s craft. E3b: Participates in group meetings in which the student gives reasons in support of opinions expressed. Volunteers contributions and responds when directly solicited by the teacher or discussion leader. E5a: The student identifies and responds to fiction using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes; that is, the student: evaluates literary merit, analyzes the reasons for a character’s actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

• Students will participate in a whole class discussion of the novel.
  
• Students will complete numerous activities that will demonstrate an understanding of the novel.
  
• Students will be able to identify character development and make future predictions for characters.
  
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the novel and be able to identify and themes in both novels.

RESOURCES

• Sherlock Holmes text
  

QUOTABLE QUOTE

"For me," said Sherlock Holmes, "there still remains the cocaine-bottle." And he stretched his long, white hand up for it."

"Scade dass die Natur nur einen Menschaus dir schuf, Den zum wurdigen Mann war und zum Schelmen der Stoff."

-Sherlock Holmes. Pg. 113.

(Nature , Alas, made only one being of you although there was material for a good man and a rogue.)

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

• Students will have read Chapter 12 of "Sign of Four" and be able to discuss the entire novel.

  ACTIVITIES
  

• Silent reading (20 minutes.)
  
• Update Sherlock Holmes quoteboard.
  
• In your notes, create a timeline for this story that contains at least one event for each chapter.
  
• Students will use their timeline to participate in a full class discussion of the novel as a whole. They might consider these topics and activities. This will include an in-depth discussion of Chapter 12 (which is quite long.)
  • a) How does this story compare to "A Study in Scarlet."
    
  • b) Discuss the writer’s craft. Analyze the structure or write some favorite sentences.
    
  • c) Write a letter to a friend telling him/her why she must absolutely read this book.
    
  • e) Write a poem.
    
  • f) List examples of the different story elements. character development,
    symbolism, theme, foreshadowing, setting, irony, etc.
    
• Discuss: Where will Doyle take these characters next?
  
• Discuss/write. What do these stories teach reader, if anything? Does Doyle intend to communicate a message through Sherlock? For example, Holmes’ personality. Some may suggest it has good and bad qualities. Does Doyle want readers to incorporate some of Holmes’ strategies into their lives? Can that be done?
  
• Quiz: "Sign of Four" Chapter 11 quiz.
  
  VOCABULARY:
  
  Mensch- A person having admirable characteristics , such as fortitude and firmness of purpose. N. (Yiddish.)
  
  ASSESSMENT
  

• "Sign of Four" quiz. Chapter 12.
  

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