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Characters-Hercule Poirot
In the books “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile” Agatha Christie uses Hercule Poirot and other characters in order to convey their unique mystery. The characters can allow the readers to understand different values and beliefs through the novel.
To begin, Hercule Poirot is a Belgian detective who has an accurate nature and understanding of human psychology which helps him unravel all the mysteries. He refers to his brain as “little gray cells” that are always working and gluing small pieces together to create the bigger complex picture. Poirot has a unique approach to solving the mysteries. He willingly lets his suspects underestimate him or even feel like they can trust him. "Death on the Nile" Poirot says, "And for you love would have been enough, but not for him" (Christie 240). This is very common in both of the books. He likes to get close to everyone and have a better understanding of why this might have happened.
He is a very punctual character and has an obsession with fine details. Poirot doesn't rely on physical evidence or forensic science as much as other detectives do. Instead, he values using observation skills and logical reasoning to piece together the puzzles. He strongly believes that every crime will leave behind a story, and that understanding the psychological background of those involved is the key to uncovering the truth. This method is extremely effective for him. He will start off recreating the scene in his mind. He will then look at every single detail without overlooking the smaller and less obvious details. In "Murder on the Orient Express" Poirot says, "'No fingerprints at all,' he said. "That means it: has been wiped"' (33). He rules out everything until he's left with the information to form his theory.
To continue, Hercule Poirot strongly believes that the truth is held in the small details. Poirot believes in the power of the human mind to unravel the most complex mysteries. In "Murder on the Orient Express" Poirot says,"The impossible could not have happened, therefore the impossible must be possible in spite of appearances" (86). He uses clues from the body language of the possible suspects. He thinks that with enough thought through consideration that the truth will always reveal itself. There is so much chaos going on around him in both of the books, yet he is seen as calm and collective. His deep empathy for the victims and his commitment to justice are very consistent between both the books. The settings are different and so is the mystery, but Poirot remains the same. In both of the books Poirot does not rush to conclusions. He finds details that others overlook. In “Murder on the Orient Express” he uncovers the truth by piecing together seemingly unrelated clues to find the murderer. In “Death on the Nile” he patiently unravels the complex relationships among the passengers which later help him identify the murderer.
Whether he's on the luxurious train or a cruise ship on the Nile his approach remains the same. Hercule Poirot remains consistent in both the novels. His method, logic, and his understanding of human nature makes him a unique and significant detective who is able to solve even the most complex cases.
Setting
In the novels “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile” Agatha Christie uses setting in order to convey that the setting creates a scene to portray to the reader, ultimately illustrating that the setting and the details with it not only create a time and place, but also illustrate values associated with the specific setting.
The setting of “Murder on the Orient Express” is unique because it takes place almost entirely on a luxurious train traveling from Istanbul to Calais. Agatha Christie creates the setting by placing her characters on a train journey across Europe. The luxury train contrasts with the murder that happens on the train. As a snowstorm approaches the train's progress, the characters are trapped in a confined space, heightening the sense of urgency and claustrophobia. The isolation from the outside world means there's no escape and no one can come aboard, intensifying the mystery. The tension increases when people become more scared and realize the murderer is on the train with them. “Here we are stuck in a snowdrift and nobody is doing anything about it” (92). The setting intensifies as everyone realizes that there is nowhere to go and that they have no way out. Christie's use of the train sets a backdrop for the threatening plot. This reminds the readers that danger can lurk even the most seemingly refined circumstances.
To continue, the setting of “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie also has a unique suspenseful setting. This book is set on a luxury boat going through the Exotic Nile River. This river is pretty isolated. The heat of Egypt creates an intense atmosphere, and all the emotions become High. People become scared and “Feel that–everything’s unsafe all around.” (74). The characters are stuck on the boat with the Killer. Every single location they visit has ancient history, which has a timeless, eerie quality to the story. On this boat everyone is a suspect and they're all constantly under each other's watch. The slow movement of the boat creates a buildup of tension and mysterious setting. The luxury of the surroundings makes the sudden violence even more shocking.
To conclude, both of these books have a very similar setting in order to produce an intensifying, suspenseful setting. Both of these books share the use of luxurious clothes settings which produce a suspenseful setting. Both the train and the boat are like these fancy stages where all the drama unfolds. The characters are isolated from the outside world, which means they can't escape the tension in the mystery that is forming inside of the train and boat.
Plot/Structure
In the novels “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile” Agatha Christie uses the plot in order to convey a mysterious story, ultimately illustrating that the plot creates the big picture, and both of these books are set up similarly.
In “Murder on the Orient Express” Agatha Christie presents a plot that is a master of mystery. The story begins on a normal train journey which is quickly disrupted by a shocking murder. Poirot must use his observation skills and detect the mystery. “That each of them would provide an alibi for the other” (82). Their alibis would be carefully examined. The combined setting heightens the suspense making every interaction crucial. Poirot’s ability to read beyond what's presented is key to untangling the plot. The resolution is as satisfying as it is surprising. Christie’s talent for plotting shows throughout the book. She proves a definite example of the genre, proving that she is the queen of crime.
“Death on the Nile” is just as good. The plot is all about the journey. It is very similar to a cruise. The story starts off with a very luxurious setting but hidden behind is a bunch of tension. Love and jealousy lead to a crime. Poirot is there vacationing, but he's drawn into the case with his sharp eye for detail. He looks at the small fine details. “We’ll have to investigate his alibi- though I don’t suppose it will be divisive” (138). Everyone on the boat is a suspect, and everyone has their own secret that Poirot tries to find out. Christie uses the location not just for a setting but as a guide for unfolding drama. Agatha Christie does a really great job at making the readers suspect everyone could have been the murderer and that they should trust no one.
In conclusion both “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile” showcase Agatha Christie's ability to mix plots that intrigue her readers. Each novel presents a luxurious journey that quickly turns into a crime scene. The settings are isolated, a train and a river cruise, which increases the tension and suspicion among the characters. Hercule Poirot stands at the center of the secrets. He uses his observation skills and his understanding of human behavior to find alibis and quickly reveal the truth. Christie has a unique ability to replicate the same type of plot throughout most of her books while still delivering a fresh mystery each time.
Speaker
In the books “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile” Agatha Christie uses strong word choices in order to convey the complexity of her unique mysteries. Her words allow the readers to understand the story in a more in depth point of view.
In “Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie she shows her master skill of suspenseful story telling. The plot unfolds to the meticulous detective work of Hercule Poirot, who interrogates the passengers, uncovers the clues, and finally reveals a complex series of events. Christie's narrative voice is extensive yet quiet. She allows the characters’ personalities in the book take over. She leads her readers to wonder the true nature of right and wrong. Christie’s storytelling is subtle yet powerful, creating a plot that's both twisted and intriguing. She uses certain words to allow the readers to understand what the character is like.“She had a beautiful foreign-looking face, dead white skin, large brown eyes, jet black hair. She was smoking a cigarette in a long holder. Her manicured hands had deep red nails” (19). From early on in the book she provides so much detail about each character.
“Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie is another book filled with intense descriptions. It even has a more intense atmosphere. Christie does a very good job at guiding the readers through her story. She provides a vivid setting throughout the book by her word choice. Each one of her sentences in this book flows smoothly, but hints are hidden underneath them. Each sentence builds the suspense as Poirot investigates, revealing the truth in the setting where everyone has something to hide. Christie draws in her readers by being complex, yet understanding through her descriptions. “She paused for a minute. Her dark eyes dilated, looking suddenly tragic. She gave a little shiver”(14). In just a few words she can provide so much detail that allows the readers to feel how the characters feel.
Both of these books showcase Agatha Christie's incredible ability to weave intricate plots and explore the moral complexities of justice and human emotion. Her narrative voice is clear, guiding the audience through each shift. Christie's novels allow readers to ponder the deeper question of morality.
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