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Read the following extract from Chapter 11 (The Great Agra Treasure) of The Sign of Four and then answer the question that follows - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
Read the following extract from Chapter 11 (The Great Agra Treasure) of The Sign of Four and then answer the question that follows. In this extract, Watson has brou... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the following extract from Chapter 11 (The Great Agra Treasure) of The Sign of Four and then answer the question that follows - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
how Conan Doyle presents attitudes towards treasure and wealth in this extract
Answer
In this extract from 'The Sign of Four', Arthur Conan Doyle presents a complex view of treasure and wealth through the characters’ varied reactions.
Watson’s approach to the treasure is initially one of optimism and excitement, as he wishes to share the discovery with Mary Morstan. He sees the treasure as a bright detail, a source of interest and an emblem of success. However, there is an implicit clash between the excitement he feels and Mary’s more subdued demeanor. When she responds without eagerness, her casual interest hints at the deeper complexities surrounding wealth, suggesting that it might not bring the joy that is typically expected.
Mary's immediate reactions show a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. Her admiration for the box, as evidenced by her comment, ‘What a pretty box!’ indicates her appreciation for its craftsmanship, yet her thoughts reveal an unsettling ambivalence towards the value of the treasure itself. The way she questions its worth – asking, ‘Where is the key?’ – reflects her suspicion regarding the treasure's significance, hinting at an underlying sense of loss.
The overall tone shifts when the box is revealed to be empty. This moment transforms the treasure from a physical possession to a notion that evokes feelings of disappointment and existential reflection. All expectations are abruptly confounded when Watson realizes something essential is missing. It highlights the idea that wealth can often prove insubstantial or disappointing, symbolizing emotional and moral bankruptcy despite its material allure.
Thus, Conan Doyle’s extract showcases wealth and treasure as multifaceted concepts that elicit diverse emotions, exposing the sometimes harsh realities behind the allure of riches.
Step 2
how Conan Doyle presents attitudes towards treasure and wealth in the novel as a whole
Answer
In 'The Sign of Four', Conan Doyle’s portrayal of treasure and wealth is intricate and thought-provoking. Throughout the novel, characters exhibit varied attitudes toward the idea of treasure, reflecting their personal values and aspirations.
The treasure itself serves as a catalyst for exploration into morality and human greed, illustrating how wealth can corrupt. Major Sholto's character exemplifies this theme, where his pursuit of the treasure leads to mendacity and betrayal, highlighting the destructive potential of greed.
Conversely, characters such as Mary Morstan demonstrate a more measured approach to wealth. Her concerns about the treasure’s implications suggest a deeper moral contemplation. The concept of treasure evolves into something that is not merely material but laden with ethical considerations, such as loyalty, loss, and the burden of past actions.
Ultimately, Doyle comments on the dual nature of wealth: it can be both a means of security and a source of conflict. The treasure can bring individuals together in their quest but also serves to highlight the fractured human relationships that often accompany wealth. Through these varied perspectives, Conan Doyle effectively invites readers to reflect on broader themes of value, greed, and the true worth of possessions in human life.