Deep Dive
Why did Jonathan Small believe he had a right to the Surakula diamond?
Small argued that the Surakula was a right of war, claiming that the conquered must hand over their belongings as part of the conflict. He believed the diamond was a commodity, not a cultural artifact, and that the British Empire had no rights to it in 2024.
What was the significance of the Sign of Four in the story?
The Sign of Four was a brotherhood forged in blood and grief, formed by those betrayed by Arthur Morstan. They sought revenge and the recovery of the Surakula diamond, which they considered their rightful property.
How did Sherlock Holmes deduce that Tonga's girlfriend, Aurora, had the Surakula diamond?
Holmes realized that Aurora had the diamond when he saw a card from her to Tonga, which mentioned 'Aurora' and 'love.' This led him to deduce that she had been given the diamond as a token of love.
What happened to Mary Morstan during the final confrontation?
Mary was stabbed in the stomach by Abdullah Khan during the struggle on the Andalucia. She later succumbed to complications, including a nick in her abdominal aorta, leading to internal bleeding and her death in the hospital.
What was the meaning of 'Aurora' in the context of the case?
Aurora was the name of Tonga's girlfriend, who had been given the Surakula diamond by Tonga. The term 'Aurora' became a key clue in the search for the diamond, as it was the name associated with its final location.
How did Sherlock and Watson board the Andalucia?
Sherlock and Watson used a mooring line attached to the stern of the Andalucia to scale the ship. They employed a technique called the S-Rope method to climb aboard the replica Spanish galleon.
What was the final outcome of the confrontation on the Andalucia?
Sherlock and Watson managed to recover the Surakula diamond, but Mary Morstan was fatally injured during the struggle. Abdullah Khan was apprehended, and the diamond was returned to its rightful place in Pondicherry.
Why did Jonathan Small resent Arthur Morstan?
Small resented Morstan because he believed Morstan betrayed him and his team during an expedition, leaving Small to be crushed and lose his leg. Small also held a deep grudge, leading to Morstan's death by anthrax ten years later.
What role did Tonga play in the case?
Tonga was a key witness who provided crucial information about the Sign of Four and the Surakula diamond. He also gave the diamond to his girlfriend, Aurora, which became a central clue in the investigation.
How did Sherlock Holmes describe Jonathan Small's fixation on the Surakula?
Holmes described Small's fixation as lacking nuance and being overly focused on the material value of the diamond, rather than its cultural or symbolic significance.
- Jonathan Small's interrogation at Scotland Yard
- The unexpected discovery of the Surakula diamond with Tonga's girlfriend, Aurora
- The revelation of Aurora's identity as the diamond's possessor
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