Embedded Files
Christie's Writing
Character
Christie often writes with several characters which have distinct personalities that propels the suspense of her novel’s mysteries. For instance in Murder on the Orient Express, from the moment Hercule Poirot first heard about the horrific story of Daisy Armstrong, the tone in that moment shifts from an ordinary day on the train to a heavy, unnerving notion that foreshadows the event that takes place further into the train ride.
Figurative Language
By using figurative language, Christie creates unnerving and suspenseful moments that establish the overall mystery throughout her novels. She often uses elements such as short startling statements and descriptive word choice that add to suspense by adding subtle hints or clues relating to the crime in her novels. In particular, in the short story Man in the Mist, while attempting to solve the murder of Gilda Glen, Tuppence says, “Very few of us are what we seem,” hinting how one or a few of the suspects they are interrogating are lying.
Setting
Christie also incorporates setting in order to add clues to the mysteries as well as to build suspense by forcing certain characters to interact. For example the setting in Murder on the Orient Express is on a train which allows for Poirot to easily access all passenger and potential murderers, and also increases tension within the characters by being in a small, unfamiliar setting.
Emulation of Agatha Christie
Deep within the trees of Epping Forest, Shercule Coirot arranged a group of her previous companions from her time being a medic during the war for a holiday at a secluded cabin to catch up on old times. The group wasn’t too substantial, only three of her old familiars and their husbands, in which one appeared to be abnormally restless considering the tranquil environment they were treading through. As the facade of the cabin began to peek through the trees, Coirot realized just how secluded the cabin was as it was quite rickety and ivy had invaded the porch and roof.
“Looks like the isolation got the best of it. Hopefully the interior will prove to be more impressive than the exterior” Coirot ranted annoyingly.
Suddenly Eddie perked up as if something had finally gone his way, “Isolation is the best environment to get tasks done.” Eddie assured. Eddie’s wife, Charlie did always mention his commitment to his job and projects. She often complained about how he could almost always be found in his study working on “rubbish”.
While stepping up to the stoop, the ivy proved to be impossible, as if it was pleading us not to step foot into that cabin. Still Edith’s husband, Frank found a rusty axe to aid us in combing through the mess. Entering the cabin Coirot let out a relieved sigh, seeing that the inside was entirely inconsistent with the sight of the exterior. There were 3 rooms each with a bed and the common amenities similar to those included in hostels. As the hour went by, the four ladies expressed their need for some tea and began to prepare it for the six guests.
“I should like to enjoy my tea outside before the sun begins to set, yet those infuriating vines keep me from it.” Edith exclaimed, putting water on the fire to boil.
“I’m certain these gentlemen would not hesitate to assist me in clearing out the ivy for you dear.” replied Frank, already heading out the door eager to be at his wife’s assistance. In the following moments, Merle and Eddie made eye contact with irritation, but still rose to aid Frank.
As the ladies were left alone, Charlie interrupted the silence cowardly, “Before meeting up with you all, Eddie and I got into dispute about how he always works in his study, but never brings in any earnings.”
At the surprise of this private information, all four ladies sat around the dining set enjoying their tea listening to the details of Charlie’s troubles within her marriage.
“I suggest you demonstrate modesty and honesty in order to communicate with him your troubles in place of coming off so strong.” Suggested Edith, who seemed to annoy Charlie by her answer knowing the flawlessness of her marriage.
“I say leave him!” Insisted Opal. As their conversation continued it was left in silence as the ladies’ husbands re-entered the cabin.
“All clear. As the sun has already set, shall we get to bed?” Smiled Frank.
Edith nodded and everybody got up to retreat to their rooms. Coirot got the smallest room, as she had no husband, but still found comfort in the small bed and quickly fell to rest after the events of the day.
A sob is all Coirot heard as she was startled awake in the night, as the cries continued she rose to investigate. Upon entering the hallway, she went to open the door of Eddie and Charlie, yet it was locked. However, shortly Eddie came to open the door and through his unintelligible cries she was able to piece together some words.
“I…don’t know…how this could….have happened.” Eddie sobbed.
Coirot peeked over Eddie’s shoulder into the bedroom fearing the worst, and as she thought she caught a glimpse of Charlie’s lifeless body lying on the floor in a pool of blood. She was dead.
Emulation of Agatha Christie
Character
I added several different characters that had juxtaposing personalities such as Frank and Eddie, in order to create a tension between relationships among the couples. Frank is shown as a compassionate and caring husband to Edith, who will go above and beyond for her. On the contrast, Frank is secretive and distant from his wife which creates suspicion on whether or not he could be the possible murderer of his own wife.
Figurative Language
I used figurative language such as short startling statements in order to create immediate suspicion of certain characters as well as word choice that leaves subtle hints. I added the phrase, “Isolation is the best environment to get tasks done.” in order to foreshadow that a significant event is about to occur in the isolation of the woods.
Setting
I added many elements to the setting that foreshadowed the murder of Charlie while also creating a dark, isolated environment to create suspense. I added the ivy to the cabin in order to create an image of the caution the women should take when entering the cabin, foreshadowing the gory events that are about to take place that same night. Furthermore by setting the novel in the woods, the characters are forced to interact and share information with each other and exposing their true selves to one another.
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