- 1
In The Sign of the Four, descriptions of indigenous people are so racist that some students may have difficulty even reading them. Discuss the racist elements of the text.
The text features incredibly dehumanizing descriptions of non-white people and of indigenous South American people in particular: referring to “savagery,” comparing people to animals, treating them as less human than a “civilized” (i.e. white) person, and characterizing them as violent and amoral. This aspect of the text must not be brushed off or glossed over, not even as a product of its time: students need the opportunity to process and reckon with the racism of The Sign of the Four. Be mindful of...
Join Now to View Premium Content
GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11017 literature essays, 2791 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.