# The Strange Story of Jonathan Small explained — The Sign of the Four

> Chapter companion for The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle.

## What happens

Jonathan Small recounts his life story, including his service in India, the murder of Achmet for the Agra treasure, his imprisonment, escape with Tonga, and his relentless pursuit of revenge against Major Sholto. He reveals that he threw the treasure into the Thames to prevent it from falling into the hands of Sholto's or Morstan's kin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice vs. Revenge

Small's narrative contrasts his desire for vengeance against Sholto with the formal justice system represented by Athelney Jones.

### Colonialism and Imperial Guilt

Small's story highlights the exploitation and violence inherent in British colonial rule in India and the Andaman Islands.

### The Corrupting Influence of Wealth

The Agra treasure drives the characters to murder, betrayal, and lifelong obsession, corrupting all who seek it.

## Character check-ins

### Sherlock Holmes

Present at Baker Street, lounging in his armchair as Small tells his story.

### Dr. John Watson

Returns to Baker Street with the empty box and listens to Small's confession.

### Jonathan Small

The main narrator of the chapter, recounts his past and explains why he disposed of the treasure.

### Athelney Jones

The detective present at Baker Street, angry at Small for hiding the treasure.

### Tonga

Small's faithful Andaman Islander companion, mentioned as having helped in the escape and in disposing of the treasure.

## Key lines

> It is my treasure; and if I can't have the loot I'll take darned good care that no one else does.

Small declares that since he cannot keep the treasure, he will ensure no one else can have it.

_Small explains his motive for throwing the treasure into the Thames._

> I would rather swing a score of times, or have one of Tonga's darts in my hide, than live in a convict's cell and feel that another man is at his ease in a palace with the money that should be mine.

Small would prefer death over seeing someone else enjoy the wealth he suffered to obtain.

_Small expresses his intense bitterness and sense of injustice._

> From that day I lived only for vengeance. I thought of it by day and I nursed it by night. It became an overpowering, absorbing passion with me.

After being betrayed by Sholto, Small's sole purpose became revenge.

_Small describes his all-consuming desire for vengeance against Major Sholto._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sign_of_the_four_se/chapters/xii-the-strange-story-of-jonathan-small
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sign_of_the_four_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sign_of_the_four_se/chapters