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© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

“The Sign of Four” Chapter 5 “The Tragedy of Pondicherry Lodge” Lesson:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E1b: The students read and comprehend at least four books… by a single writer…
E1b: Students make and support warranted and responsible assertions about the texts.
E3b: Students participate in group meetings in which students give reasons in support of opinions expressed.
E2b: Student produces a response to literature that demonstrates an understanding of the literary work.
E5a examines the reasons for a character’s actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

  • Students will be provided time for silent reading.
  • Students will analyze character traits, behavior and motivation.
  • Students will participate in small group meetings.

RESOURCES

  • Sherlock Holmes text

QUOTABLE QUOTE

"Not Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" roared the prize-fighter. "God's truth! how could I have mistook you? If instead o' standin' there so quiet you had just stepped up and given me that cross-hit of yours under the jaw, I'd ha' known you without a question. Ah, you're one that has wasted your gifts, you have! You might have aimed high, if you had joined the fancy."

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

  • Students will have read Chapter 5 of "Sign of Four" prior to this lesson.

    ACTIVITIES

  • Silent reading (20-25 minutes.)
  • After reviewing events in the chapter, students will focus on McMurdo, the boxer Holmes confronts in the chapter. Through this character we learn some details about Holmes’ background. Create a list of what we learned and further infer what else this meeting might suggests about Holmes.
  • A death occurs in this chapter. How does this event move the story along? What purpose do you think it serves? What similarities are there between the death of Bartholomew Sholto in "Sign of Four" and Enoch Drebber in "A Study in Scarlet?" What clues are left at the scene? Make a list of similarities.
  • Update Sherlock Holmes quoteboard.

    ASSESSMENT
  • Quiz "Sign of Four" Chapter 4.

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