Canon Discussion: The Sign of Four, Chaps. 7 - 12

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

This week we’re having a look at the second half of The Sign of Four. I’ve typed up a few thoughts to get the discussion going—please leave your own ideas in the comments!


( Discussion continues... )

Mrs. Hudson's Poetry Page: The Sign of Four, Chaps. 7 - 12

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Welcome once again to my poetry page!

I hope each week you will read Dr. Watson’s delightful narrative and then be inspired to write a poem related to it in some way. All forms of poetry are permitted, and further down the page there is a selection you might like to consider using over the coming weeks.


This week my featured form is one of my own devising: the 221B verselet.

This is a tribute to the 221B ficlet—a form of writing that some of Mr. Holmes’ admirers like to indulge in. (I do feel sorry for Mr. Holmes on occasion. They are on the whole charming girls but sometimes he has only to step out of the front door for a group of young ladies to surround him, furiously sketch him, and then stampede to the Post Office to post the pictures to their friends.)


My definition for the 221B verselet:

A poem four lines long—the first line having 2 words, the second line having 2 words, the third line having 1 word and the fourth line having 1 word, beginning with ‘b’.


So only six words in total. But you appreciate a bit of minimalism in your poetry writing when simultaneously having to cope with your tenant setting fire to the curtains.


Here is my example:

Treasure lost.
Treasure found:
Watson’s
Bride.

As always, this is simply something to consider for the future. Any form of poetry is welcome this week—and every week! Here are a few suggestions for you:

acrostic poetry, clerihew, epigram, haiku, limerick, palindrome poetry, sedoka, sestina, sonnet, tanka, terza rima, tongue twister poetry, triolet, tyburn, villanelle


Please leave all your poems inspired by The Sign of Four in the comments on this post. I look forward to seeing them!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Hudson

The Sign of Four: Foreigners

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Sign of Four
Title: Foreigners
Author: scfrankles
Rating: G
Author's Notes: “They are a fierce, morose, and intractable people, though capable of forming most devoted friendships when their confidence has once been gained.” (Chap. 8)



England:


Climate

Damp with occasional sunshine (first Monday in August).



Culture

Convivial get-togethers (charmingly known as “getting steaming drunk”), and the occasional friendly punch-up (known as “football”).



People

Approach with caution and cups of tea.



Useful phrases:


This is wonderful!

In the local dialect: D’you know, that’s not bad.


I’ll miss you passionately! Unbearably!

In the local dialect: Bye, then.

The Sign of Four: I Saw, But Did Not Observe

[tripleransom.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Sign of Four
Title: I Saw, But Did Not Observe
Author: tripleransom
Rating: G


I Saw, But Did Not Observe

I saw at once that Miss Morstan had the correct intuition to make her a model client. What I did not see at once – to my everlasting regret – is that she had the correct intuition to make her a model wife for my own dear Doctor.

If only I had observed, I would not now be alone with my cocaine.

The Sign of Four: Forthcoming Marriages

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Sign of Four
Title: Forthcoming Marriages
Author: thesmallhobbit
Rating: G

The engagement is announced between Dr John H Watson late of the Army Medical Department, now of Baker Street and Miss Mary Morstan, daughter of the late Captain Morstan of the Indian Regiment, currently employed by Mrs Cecil Forrester of Camberwell.  The wedding will be a quiet affair with a reception for close friends only.  All welcome at the church.