The Sign of the Four Lesson Plan

What role does “the east” have in the story so far? (This question may be considered prep for the Classroom Activity "Colonialism and Imperialism in The Sign of the Four.")

The story is set exclusively in England, but the influence of British ideas of “the east” looms large. Asian people, art, culture, and history are depicted as alien and exotic, strange, and potentially dangerous. Notably missing, of course, is an understanding of Britain’s brutal colonial history of subjugation and exploitation. Students will learn more about this topic in classroom activities, so it isn’t necessary to go deep into this topic during this discussion session. Rather, it’s an opportunity...