Sign of Four: Themes (AQA GCSE English Literature): Flashcards
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Practise the cards
13 cards from this deck
4 key themes in Sign of Four
4 key themes in Sign of Four
Justice/Vengeance, Colonialism, Greed, Role of Women
What drives Jonathan Small's pursuit of treasure?
What drives Jonathan Small's pursuit of treasure?
Desire for justice & vengeance against those who wronged him
What does Small explore about justice/vengeance?
What does Small explore about justice/vengeance?
Thin line between justice and vengeance
How does Holmes pursue justice?
How does Holmes pursue justice?
Using intellect and reason to uncover truth
What does Indian Mutiny backstory highlight?
What does Indian Mutiny backstory highlight?
Impact of British colonialism & moral complexities of empire
What does Tonga's portrayal reflect?
What does Tonga's portrayal reflect?
Racial prejudices and stereotypes of the Victorian era
How did colonial mindset view non-European cultures?
How did colonial mindset view non-European cultures?
As inferior and dangerous
What does Sholto brothers' greed lead to?
What does Sholto brothers' greed lead to?
Betrayal and murder; destruction of relationships
What does Agra treasure symbolise?
What does Agra treasure symbolise?
Greed - characters lie, betray & kill to possess it
What does treasure's cursed nature suggest?
What does treasure's cursed nature suggest?
Wealth from immoral means brings misery & destruction
How is Mary Morstan portrayed?
How is Mary Morstan portrayed?
Passive and dependent on male characters
What do female characters lack in Sign of Four?
What do female characters lack in Sign of Four?
Agency - defined by relationships with men
Victorian expectations of women?
Victorian expectations of women?
To be passive & dependent on male protection