SoF - Jonny Small

Question 1

Key points in intro

Answer 1

• Distinctive and repulsive -> Alienated from reader -> Victorian conventions -> Evocative descriptions + delaying reveal -> Mystery before boat chase
• At conclusion, Doyle subverts conventions -> Dedicates final chapter -> Small is true victim of novel
• Small is the personification of greed in the novel

Question 2

What is paragraph 1 about?

Answer 2

Small as a repulsive and evil character in the opening

Question 3

What quotes can you use in paragraph 1?

Answer 3

• “wooden-legged friend”
• “horrible smile, a fixed and unnatural grin”
• “high, cracked voice”
• Any quotes for Tonga -> “little hell-hound”

Question 4

What AO3 can you use in paragraph 1?

Answer 4

Small’s involvement with Tonga helps to intimidate the reader by playing on 19th Century typical fears of the unknown, making Small appear almost savage due to his alliance with a ‘creature’.

Question 5

What is paragraph 2 about?

Answer 5

Small in the final two chapters + aligning with reader

Question 6

What are some quotes for paragraph 2?

Answer 6

• “head sunk” + “keen twinkling eyes”
• “’Justice!’ snarled the ex-convict. ‘A pretty justice!’”
• “wild whirl of words” + “eyes blazed”

Question 7

What AO3 can you use in paragraph 2?

Answer 7

Small’s pardoning here is juxtaposed with the death of Tonga, which serves as a powerful example of 19th Century British attitudes towards foreignness.

Question 8

What is paragraph 3 about?

Answer 8

Small as the personification of greed

Question 9

What quotes can you use in paragraph 3

Answer 9

• “exultantly”
• “like a shot rabbit”
• “I lived only for vengeance”
• “To escape, to track down Sholto, to have my hand upon his throat”

Question 10

What key points can you use in your conclusion?

Answer 10

• Doyle creates a powerfully alienated character through Small, who remains a mysterious character until the climax at the boat chase
• Doyle subverts traditional detective conventions to at least partially excuse Small of his crimes