Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-1-author-background

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# Author Background

English Lit: AQA GCSE The Sign of the Four, topic 1.1.1

## Arthur Conan Doyle

Arthur Conan Doyle was born in 1859 and had a difficult life, although he went on to become a doctor and a successful novelist.

### Conan Doyle's father

![Conan Doyle's father](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/2.4.1/alcoholic-min.jpg)

- Conan Doyle's father struggled to earn a living for the family, and then later became an alcoholic.

### Dr Doyle

![Dr Doyle](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/4199ed74-efa3-436b-a354-cf272498b766/medic-563425_1920.jpg)

- Arthur Conan Doyle became a medical doctor but didn’t practice medicine for long.
  - He soon became a writer instead.
- This gave him an in-depth knowledge of medicine, which he used in his stories, making his character, Dr Watson, a medical doctor as well.

### Dr Watson

![Dr Watson](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/fe959465-cb4d-4c69-9ade-2eb785e41b08/drugs-pills-.jpg)

- Dr Watson was able to use his understanding of medicine to try to advise Sherlock Holmes about the dangers of drug use. 
  - Holmes ignores him anyway.

## The Beginning of Sherlock Holmes

The Sherlock Holmes stories were first published in 1887 as a series in magazines. Victorians loved the character and his use of scientific methods.

### Publishing

![Publishing](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/bb977a12-d2d0-4760-86c1-97a34c327f91/magazine-vogue-.jpg)

- The Sherlock Holmes stories were first published in 1887 in small sections in magazines.
  - They were not published as whole novels at first.

### Fans

![Fans](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/871ab832-64c0-4b73-bf1d-aeb92c57b106/Detective-inspector-man-secret-police-.jpg)

- In 1893, Conan Doyle tried to kill off Sherlock Holmes. But, after outrage from fans of the stories, he decided not to.
 - Victorians loved the character because he represented a heroic fictional detective (during the rise of the detective genre).

### Science

![Science](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/02824c6c-9c33-4df4-b9c9-0115c5fd8ff4/Quarantine-Lab-Science-Internet-.jpg)

- During a time when scientific discovery was becoming more and more prevalent, Holmes used scientific methods to examine evidence closely. 
  - During a time when the Victorian police were unable to catch Britain’s first recorded serial killer, Sherlock Holmes used evidence to solve every case.

### Example of Holmes using science

![Example of Holmes using science](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/d5f44b6c-125d-47cf-953a-5b60c6e87e46/footprint-.png)

- For example, Holmes looks closely at the evidence in Chapter 5, determining that the suspect __‘had the misfortune to tread in the creosote. You can see the outline of the edge of his small foot here’.__

## Test yourself on Author Background

- In what year was Arthur Conan Doyle born?
- Which character from _The Sign of the Four_ is a doctor?
- What jobs did Arthur Conan Doyle have?
- What do we know about Arthur Conan Doyle?
- Why did Victorians love the character of Sherlock Holmes?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/8c61eecf-31b6-4e1a-b05b-6301a2fa6941/section/d3ad2312-c54d-4c7f-91a0-aaace9b52e51/session)

- Next topic: [1.1.2 Victorian Crime & Police](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-2-victorian-crime-and-police.md)

## English Lit: AQA GCSE The Sign of the Four contents

### 1 Context
- 1.1 Victorian England & British Empire
  - [1.1.1 Author Background](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-1-author-background.md)
  - [1.1.2 Victorian Crime & Police](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-2-victorian-crime-and-police.md)
  - [1.1.3 Historical Context](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-3-historical-context.md)
  - [1.1.4 Victorian London](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-4-victorian-london.md)
  - [1.1.5 Women](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-5-women.md)
  - [1.1.6 The British Empire](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-6-the-british-empire.md)
  - [1.1.7 End of Topic Test - Author & Victorian Police](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-7-end-of-topic-test-author-and-victorian-police.md)
  - [1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Victorian London & Empire](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/1-1-8-end-of-topic-test-victorian-london-and-empire.md)

### 2 Plot Summary
- 2.1 Chapter Summaries
  - [2.1.1 Chapter 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-1-chapter-1.md)
  - [2.1.2 Chapter 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-2-chapter-2.md)
  - [2.1.3 Chapter 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-3-chapter-3.md)
  - [2.1.4 Chapter 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-4-chapter-4.md)
  - [2.1.5 Chapter 5](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-5-chapter-5.md)
  - [2.1.6 Chapter 6](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-6-chapter-6.md)
  - [2.1.7 Chapter 7](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-7-chapter-7.md)
  - [2.1.8 Chapter 8](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-8-chapter-8.md)
  - [2.1.9 Chapter 9](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-9-chapter-9.md)
  - [2.1.10 Chapter 10](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-10-chapter-10.md)
  - [2.1.11 Chapter 11](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-11-chapter-11.md)
  - [2.1.12 Chapter 12](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-12-chapter-12.md)
  - [2.1.13 Chapter 12: Jonathan Small's Stories](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-13-chapter-12-jonathan-smalls-stories.md)
  - [2.1.14 End of Topic Test - Chapters 1-6](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-14-end-of-topic-test-chapters-1-6.md)
  - [2.1.15 End of Topic Test - Chapters 7-12](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-15-end-of-topic-test-chapters-7-12.md)

### 3 Characters
- 3.1 Key Characters
  - [3.1.1 Sherlock Holmes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-1-1-sherlock-holmes.md)
  - [3.1.2 Sherlock Holmes: Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-1-2-sherlock-holmes-quotations.md)
  - [3.1.3 Dr John Watson](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-1-3-dr-john-watson.md)
  - [3.1.4 Mary Morstan](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-1-4-mary-morstan.md)
  - [3.1.5 End of Topic Test - Key Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-1-5-end-of-topic-test-key-characters.md)
  - [3.1.6 Exam-Style Questions - Mary & Dr Watson](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-1-6-exam-style-questions-mary-and-dr-watson.md)
- 3.2 Other Characters
  - [3.2.1 Thaddeus Sholto](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-2-1-thaddeus-sholto.md)
  - [3.2.2 Jonathan Small](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-2-2-jonathan-small.md)
  - [3.2.3 End of Topic Test - Thaddeus and Jonathan Small](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-2-3-end-of-topic-test-thaddeus-and-jonathan-small.md)
- 3.3 Grade 9 - Key Characters
  - [3.3.1 Grade 9 - Key Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-3-1-grade-9-key-characters.md)
  - [3.3.2 Extract Analysis - Tonga](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/3-3-2-extract-analysis-tonga.md)

### 4 Key Themes
- 4.1 Key Themes
  - [4.1.1 Corruption](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/4-1-1-corruption.md)
  - [4.1.2 Criminals & Victims](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/4-1-2-criminals-and-victims.md)
  - [4.1.3 Victorian Fear](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/4-1-3-victorian-fear.md)
  - [4.1.4 British Empire & Imperialism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/4-1-4-british-empire-and-imperialism.md)
  - [4.1.5 Duality](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/4-1-5-duality.md)
  - [4.1.6 End of Topic Test - Key Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/4-1-6-end-of-topic-test-key-themes.md)

### 5 Writing Techniques
- 5.1 Writing Techniques
  - [5.1.1 Narrative Voice](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/5-1-1-narrative-voice.md)
  - [5.1.2 Dialogue](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/5-1-2-dialogue.md)
  - [5.1.3 Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/5-1-3-structure.md)
  - [5.1.4 Structure & Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/5-1-4-structure-and-characters.md)
  - [5.1.5 Pathetic Fallacy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/5-1-5-pathetic-fallacy.md)
  - [5.1.6 End of Topic Test - Writing Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/5-1-6-end-of-topic-test-writing-techniques.md)

### 6 Recap: Main Quotes
- 6.1 Characters Quotes
  - [6.1.1 Sherlock Holmes - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-1-1-sherlock-holmes-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.2 Dr John Watson - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-1-2-dr-john-watson-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.3 Mary Morstan - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-1-3-mary-morstan-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.4 Thaddeus Sholto - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-1-4-thaddeus-sholto-quotations.md)
  - [6.1.5 Jonathan Small - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-1-5-jonathan-small-quotations.md)
- 6.2 Text Structure - Quotes
  - [6.2.1 Chapter 1 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-1-chapter-1-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.2 Chapter 2 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-2-chapter-2-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.3 Chapter 3 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-3-chapter-3-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.4 Chapter 4 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-4-chapter-4-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.5 Chapter 5 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-5-chapter-5-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.6 Chapter 6 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-6-chapter-6-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.7 Chapter 7 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-7-chapter-7-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.8 Chapter 8 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-8-chapter-8-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.9 Chapter 9 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-9-chapter-9-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.10 Chapter 10 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-10-chapter-10-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.11 Chapter 11 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-11-chapter-11-quotations.md)
  - [6.2.12 Chapter 12 - Quotations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/6-2-12-chapter-12-quotations.md)