How do Thaddeus Sholto's surroundings reflect his character?

Holmes and Watson meet Thaddeus Sholto in Chapter Four of The Sign of Four. He lives in a humble terraced house in South London, the interior of which contrasts sharply with the exterior. Here, in Sholto's "oasis," there are a number of features which complement his personality and character.

Firstly, Sholto is a man of a nervous disposition. His features twitch and are in a "perpetual jerk" and he has Watson examine his heart...

Holmes and Watson meet Thaddeus Sholto in Chapter Four of The Sign of Four. He lives in a humble terraced house in South London, the interior of which contrasts sharply with the exterior. Here, in Sholto's "oasis," there are a number of features which complement his personality and character.

Firstly, Sholto is a man of a nervous disposition. His features twitch and are in a "perpetual jerk" and he has Watson examine his heart with a stethoscope shortly after their arrival. Sholto's surroundings are designed to overcome this nervousness and anxiety by creating a sense of comfort. The carpet, for instance, is so thick that Watson's foot sinks "pleasantly" into it. Similarly, Sholto has incense burning, creating a "subtle and aromatic" odour to soften the nerves. He also has a selection of wines and some tobacco to hand, as they function as an "invaluable sedative."

Secondly, Sholto's surroundings echo his materialistic nature. His home is the epitome of luxury: "The richest and glossiest of curtain and tapestries draped the walls...Two great tiger-skins thrown athwart...increased the suggestion of Eastern luxury," observed Watson. Sholto is thus a man who values material possessions and enjoys showing them off.

Finally, Sholto is a man who values his privacy and, again, his surroundings reflect this attribute. He has his servant lead Watson, Holmes and Miss Morstan, for example, through a "sordid and common passage" to reach him and keeps his "little sanctum" poorly lit and hidden from the rest of the world. When he asks his guests to pledge their confidentiality, Sholto seats himself on a "low settee" away from them. This is his way of maintaining separation from his guests and controlling access to his personal space.