Britain 's endeavor in mass territorial expansion throughout India began in the early eighteenth century, and continued throughout the nineteenth century as well. Though this movement is known for being successful in settling foreign colonies, many people of the time were divided in their views regarding imperialistic efforts. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 caused this divergence. In fact, the rebellion uncovered weakness in British control, and introduced feelings of ambiguity within the society as many people became concerned with their nation’s capabilities to protect against external invasions. This was the societal background for which Arthur Conan Doyle publicated his mystery novel, The Sign of Four. Taking place in Victorian England, the story follows a captivating plot of murder and treasure, all while clueing the reader in on late victorian lifestyle. The Sign of Four reflects society’s endeavors to appease these conflicting opinions on imperialism, as it recognizes both the alarm and attraction typically associated with colonial British affairs and presents an effective means through which Victorian British perspectives of imperialism can be inspected analytically. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was an uprising against British control, and though unsuccessful, it instilled a fear in British society during the time. This shifted views that people had of the Indian natives from being harmless subordinates, to dangerous, and even “animalistic”. This is prevalent in