Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four/2-1-6-chapter-6

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [English Lit](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa.md) › [English Lit: AQA GCSE The Sign of the Four](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/the-sign-of-the-four.md) › Chapter 6

# Chapter 6

English Lit: AQA GCSE The Sign of the Four, topic 2.1.6

## Chapter 6: Sherlock Gives a Demonstration

Knowing that the police are on their way, Holmes leaps into investigative action with Watson – he wants to examine the crime scene thoroughly before the incompetent police arrive.

### Holmes' conclusions

![Holmes' conclusions](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/An_old_man_with_a_wooden_leg%2C_probably_a_former_soldier%2C_mar_Wellcome_V0020424.jpg)

- From investigating the room, Holmes concludes that a wooden-legged man broke into the room and had an accomplice to help him escape.

### Footprint

![Footprint](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/ba2feceb-8f84-463b-9344-6ec6cfe76100/shoe-print-crime-clue-.jpg)

- Whilst examining the floor closely, they find a small footprint – Watson jumps to the conclusion that a child must have committed the murder. 
- But Holmes whips out his magnifying glass and examines the floor more closely. He finds traces of creosote on the footprint and suggests that they could use a dog to follow the scent.

### Arrival of Athelney Jones

![Arrival of Athelney Jones](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/2147e2c2-ce98-4c03-b824-c1f44d3b43ae/police-force-.png)

- Inspector Athelney Jones enters the room, loud and wheezing, and interrupts the investigation.
- Jones’ first comment to Holmes is insulting. He calls him a __‘theorist’__. 
- Jones is shown to dismiss Holmes’ ideas and mock them, whilst jumping to a number of conclusions himself with no evidence: __‘Ha! I have a theory’.__ 
- Ironically, it is Jones who is actually the theorist, who has no real evidence on which to base his ideas.

### Jones' accusation

![Jones' accusation](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/8c369561-23fa-4aa1-9438-ded9e7323e4c/prison-bars.jpg)

- Jones begins to state that Thaddeus must be guilty. Holmes tells Jones that he does not know all of the information yet.
- Holmes tells Jones about the poisonous thorn. Jones uses it to weave his own theory around how that proves Thaddeus’ guilt.
 - He argues that Thaddeus has a house full of Indian curiosities, so could have used a foreign poisonous thorn to kill his brother.

### Holmes accuses Jonathan Small

![Holmes accuses Jonathan Small](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/244ee6be-35e2-4111-b88f-8fc2eccad76d/prisoner-jumpsuit.jpg)

- Regardless of his lack of evidence, Jones decides to arrest Thaddeus Sholto.
- Holmes explains to Jones how Thaddeus could not have committed the crime:
 - He names Jonathan Small as the criminal.
    - Jonathan Small has a wooden-leg, and there is a mark of a wooden leg on the windowsill.
    - He was a convict.

### Holmes' promise

![Holmes' promise](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/4.2.1-%20Respiration/dog%20panting.jpg)

- Holmes promises to reveal Jonathan Small and his accomplice to Inspector Jones as soon as he can. He then walks away, dismissing Jones.
- Holmes tells Watson to take Mary Morstan home and then to go and collect Toby (a dog).

## Key Quotations for Chapter 6

Here are three key quotations for Chapter 6:

### Holmes' investigation

![Holmes' investigation](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/e2148239-a410-4d0c-8863-3c46df223e9e/police-british.jpg)

- __‘My case is, as I have told you, almost complete__ (Sherlock Holmes).
 - Holmes' use of the possessive pronoun, __‘my’__, shows that he views this case as entirely his own piece of investigation – he does not even include Watson as a real intellectual partner.
 - Alternatively, he could be using it to separate himself from the police force – he is possessive over his own ideas as his conclusions are based on factual evidence, unlike the police forces'.

### Holmes' investigative methods

![Holmes' investigative methods](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/d5382d55-8917-48f0-b2b2-b455c3522ac4/files-evidence-paper-stack-.jpg)

- **‘When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, _however improbable_, must be the truth’** (Sherlock Holmes).
 - Holmes tries to teach Watson about his investigative methods. 
 - He encourages Watson to draw his own conclusions, using the phrase **_‘however improbable’_** to encourage him to think outside the box. 
 - The italics suggest that Holmes is emphasising the need to carefully consider all of the evidence, even if it doesn’t seem to lead to the most logical conclusion.

### Theorist Holmes

![Theorist Holmes](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/f93be445-5f4d-431b-99a8-dbce03272add/facts-magnifying-glass-.jpg)

- __‘Theorist’__ (Inspector Jones).
 - By using the common noun __‘theorist’__, Jones implies that Holmes has no real skill or investigative ability. 
 - He argues that Holmes just guesses his conclusions, with no solid evidence to base his ideas on. 
 - Ironically, it is Inspector Jones who gives wild theories with no actual evidence.

## Test yourself on Chapter 6

- What does Inspector Jones call Holmes upon arriving at the crime scene?
- Events of Chapter 6
- What evidence does Holmes use to label Jonathan Small as a murderer in Chapter 6?
- What does Sherlock Holmes find on the footprint in Chapter 6?
- Who does Inspector Jones decide to arrest in Chapter 6?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/8c61eecf-31b6-4e1a-b05b-6301a2fa6941/section/516fadaa-488c-49b4-a73a-8c2c4c4339aa/session)

- Previous topic: [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)
- Next topic: [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)

## 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)