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© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

“The Sign of Four” Chapter 1 “The Science of Deduction” Lesson:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E2b The student produces a response to literature that advances a judgment that interpretive, analytic, evaluative, or reflective; demonstrates n understanding of the literary work. E2a: The student produces a report that develops a controlling idea that conveys a perspective on the subject. E1b: The student reads and comprehends at least four books by a single writer and produces evidence of reading that makes and supports warranted and responsible assertions about the text.

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

  • Students will be provided time for silent reading.
  • Students will understand what a monograph is and will develop topics that might be appropriate for monograph format.

RESOURCES

  • Sherlock Holmes text

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Detection is, or ought to be, an exact science, and should be treated in the same cold and unemotional manner."

-Sherlock Holmes. pg. 65.

"Eliminate all other factors, and the one which remains must be the truth,"

-Sherlock Holmes. Pg. 66.

"My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram, or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants."

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

  • Students will have completed "A Study in Scarlet" and will have read Chapter 1 of "The Sign of Four."

    ACTIVITIES

  • Silent reading (20-25 minutes.)
  • Update Sherlock Holmes quoteboard.
  • Explain his logic. Is it reasonable? Do you think this is true of many people who are considered brilliant or geniuses?
  • Holmes describes his need for stimulation (pg. 64.) which connects with his drug use in this chapter. He describes it as "stagnation" when he has no interesting cases.
    Consider the following in your response:
    1) Why did Doyle create Holmes with this trait? How does it enhance the character? Does it make sense even if it is it might be destructive? Do people still behave like this today? Does Watson’s reaction and description make sense?
    2) What is Holmes’ defense for his habit? Do you think it is a common defense for others who use drugs or is it unique to Holmes?
    3) Holmes habit would probably get him fired if he was a detective today. What other habits do you think he would have developed instead of drug use to stimulate his mind?
  • In small groups, students will write a letter to either Dr. Watson or Sherlock Holmes offering advice on Holmes’ use of drugs. Letters will be one page long and will be read aloud.

    ASSESSMENT

  • "The Sign of Four" Quiz 1

Vocabulary:

Monograph-A scholarly piece of writing of essay or book length on a specific, often limited subject. N.

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