And Then There Were None

20 Pages·2014·0.17 MB·English

Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None
published. Christie loved her other recurring character, Miss Marple, although
BACKGROUND INFO
she only appeared in twelve of Christie's novels
Related Historical Events:Christie lived through a tumultuous period in
AUTHOR BIO England, including two World Wars. She joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment
(VAD) in WWI, tending to wounded soldiers in England. During WWII she
Full Name:Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, DBE
worked at the pharmacy in the University College Hospital in London where
Pen Name:Agatha Christie (and Mary Westmacott) she learned a great amount about poisons, which she would use to great effect
in her post-war mysteries. Christie's 1941 novel,N or M?,describes a search
Date of Birth:September 15, 1890
for two of Hitler's top-secret agents and features a character named Major
Place of Birth:Torquay, Devon, England Bletchley. This led the British intelligence agency to investigate Christie, out
Date of Death:January 12, 1976 of fear that she had information on the British top-secret code-breaking
agency, Bletchley Park. All turned out to be just a coincidence, as Christie had
Brief Life Story:Agatha Christie was born into an upper middle class family in
apparently invented a surprisingly appropriate name.
South West England. Her mother was British and her father was a wealthy
American stockbroker educated in Switzerland. Agatha was the youngest of EXTRA CREDIT
three children and had a happy early life but her father died of a heart attack
when she was only 11, and she later said that this marked the end of her Original Title:The original title wasTen Little Niggers,and thenTen Little
childhood. After her father's death she was sent to receive a formal education Indians, both of which have since been abandoned for reasons of political
first in her native town of Torquay and then in Paris. Agatha began writing correctness.
after finishing school but could not get anything published. At the same time Christie vs. Shakespeare:Christie is the best selling author of all time after
she was looking for a husband, and after a few failed relationships, met Shakespeare and the Bible.
Archibald “Archie” Christie in 1912 and the two were married soon after.
Agatha on Stage:Agatha Christie claimed that the happiest moment of her life
Archie went away to fight in World War I and Agatha helped the wounded
was when she was in a Gilbert and Sullivan play as a child but she later said, “an
soldiers back in England as a part of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD).
experience that you truly enjoy should never be repeated.” She did go on to
Agatha published her first novel in 1920, which introduced her longest
write the longest running play,The Mousetrap. It opened at the Ambassador
running and possibly most famous detective character, Hercule Poirot. In
Theater in London in 1952 and ran until 1975 and then moved next door to
1926, Agatha published her first big hit: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, but in
The Saint Martin's Theater where it is still running.
the same year her mother died and her husband left her for his secretary.
Agatha ran away after this and was found days later registered at a hotel Popular Poirot:Hercule Poirot is the only fictional character to ever receive
under her husband's mistress's name. They divorced in 1928 and Agatha an obituary in theNew York Times.It appeared on the front page in August
retained custody of their one child, Rosalind. In 1939 Agatha married 1975, following the publication of the last Poirot novel,Curtains.
archaeology professor Max Mallowan and traveled with him on many trips.
She developed a great interest in archaeology and Egyptology. Agatha PLOT SUMMARY
continued writing into old age and wrote 66 novels and 153 short stories in
total.
Riding on a train through England,Justice Wargravebegins thinking about
KEY FACTS where he is going: Soldier Island. He remembers a story of a millionaire who
lived there, but has heard that theIslandwas recently bought by a man named
Full Title:And Then There Were None
Mr. Owen. The scene quickly changes to another woman on the train,Vera
Genre:Murder Mystery Claythornewho is similarly curious about this island. The narrative shifts
among a variety of other characters, the mysteriousPhilip Lombard, the rigid
Setting:Soldier Island (in other editions it is also called Indian Island), off the
spinsterMiss Emily Brent, the retiredGeneral Macarthur, the successfulDr.
coast of England
Armstrong, the recklessAnthony Marston,and the lyingMr. Blore, who are
Climax:Justice Wargrave's revelatory letter in a bottle, which appears in the all also headed to Soldier Island.
second epilogue to the novel.
They are taken by boat to the island by a local namedFred Narracott.At the
Antagonist:Justice Wargrave island the host is not there but two servants, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, tell the
Point of View:Third person omniscient guests that dinner is almost ready. The guests go up to their rooms and notice
that there is a nursery rhyme hung in each, “Ten Little Soldiers.” In each verse
HISTORICAL AND LITERARY CONTEXT
another Little Soldier dies in some strange way. After a pleasant dinner, the
guests all gather in the parlor for drinks. All of a sudden a loud voice takes over
When Written:1939
the room, accusing each guest, one at a time, of murder. When the recording
Where Written:England ends, Mrs. Rogers faints and is taken upstairs by her husband and the doctor.
When Published:November 1939 The voice has come from a gramophone hidden in the next room. Justice
Literary Period:Popular fiction Wargrave, a retired judge, begins an impromptu court session – asking
everyone to explain his or her accusation. Each guest has some sort of excuse.
Related Literary Works:As the world's best selling mystery writer Agatha
They realize that they have all been invited to the island under false pretenses
Christie has an incredible number of related literary works.And Then There
by someone with the name U. N. Owen which, as Wargrave points out, spells
Were Nonewas her most popular and best selling novel, but it did not include
out Unknown. Then, all of a sudden, Anthony Marston chokes, falls over, and
her most popular characters, Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple. Christie herself
dies. Dr. Armstrong checks Marston's drink and discovers that it has been
didn't much care for Detective Poirot even though he starred in 33 of her
poisoned! They take him up to his room and all decide that they will try to
novels and 54 of her short stories. She found him “insufferable” but knew the
leave in the morning. In bed in her room Vera realizes that Marston's death
public liked him and felt it was her duty as an entertainer to produce what the
mirrors the first line of the Ten Little Soldiers rhyme.
public wanted. She also must have felt some sort of debt to him because it was
her first Poirot novel,The Mysterious Affair at Styles,which first got her
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And Then There Were None
The next morning Mr. Rogers tells everyone that Mrs. Rogers died in the Vera Claythorne– A schoolteacher who is invited to Soldier Island as a
middle of the night. He also says that two of the little soldier figurines that had secretary. She is very practical and careful, but she is also a romantic. She fell
been decorating the table had now disappeared. The guests now decide that in love with a man named Hugo while she was employed as a nanny for a
there must be a “raving maniac” on the island. They all think that they should young boy, Cyril Hamilton. Cyril's birth took away Hugo's chance at an
leave but astormis coming and no boat will be able to get to or from the inheritance and Hugo told Vera at one point that he would marry her if he still
island. Blore and Lombard decide to search the island but find no one. They do had money. Vera therefore allowed Cyril to swim out into the ocean too far
discover that Lombard has a revolver. Mr. Rogers calls everyone in for lunch, and drown. She was not convicted because she swam out after him as if she
but they realize that General Macarthur is not there. Dr. Armstrong goes to were trying to save him. Yet Hugo knew the truth, so he went away and never
check on him and finds him dead – hit on the head with a life preserver. spoke to Vera again. Vera is plagued with thisguiltfor the rest of her life until,
Wargrave holds another court-session and decides that although no one after surviving to the very end of Soldier Island, she hangs herself.
person stands out as the murderer, the killer must be one of the guests on the
Philip Lombard– Lombard was hired byMr. Isaac Morristo come to Soldier
Island.
Island and watch out for any trouble. He is a very resourceful and creative
The next morning they wake to find Rogers dead – struck on the back of head man who used to be a soldier in Africa. While in Africa he left a group of
with an axe while chopping wood. Vera and Miss Brent prepare breakfast now natives to die in order to save his own life. He is very clever and is able to
that there are no surviving servants. After breakfast, Miss Brent feels weak so escapedeathuntil the very end of the novel, when he trusts Vera too much
stays seated as the rest of the guests clear the table. When they come back because she is a woman.
they find Miss Brent dead. She has been poisoned with a syringe in the neck
Dr. Edward Armstrong– A successful doctor who comes to Soldier Island
and the murderer even took the time to put a bee in the room (to match the
because he is told that Ms. Owen is sick. He used to drink too much and once
verse in the Ten Little Soldiers rhyme). Wargrave suggests that they should
accidentally killed an old woman because he was drunk while operating on her.
lock up any dangerous items that they have brought, but when Lombard goes
He is very preoccupied with maintaining his reputation, and hence his success.
to get his revolver he realizes that it is missing.
At the same time, he is a very gullible man. He trustsWargraveand helps the
Next Wargrave dies, shot through the head and dressed up as a judge while a judge fake his owndeath. Once the other surviving characters think that the
decoy of a drowning scene frightens Vera and distracts all the other guests. judge is dead,Wargravehas free reign of theisland. Wargrave eventually kills
That night Lombard hears a noise from his room and wakes up everyone else Armstrong by pushing him off a cliff.
only to realize that Dr. Armstrong is missing. They believe that Armstrong
William Henry Blore– An ex-police inspector who is tricked into coming to
must be the murderer. They spend the morning outside the house where it
the island when he is told that he is supposed to protect Mrs. Owen's jewels
feels open and safe. Finally Blore decides to get somefoodfrom the house, but
from a thief. In his past Blore, in order to gain a promotion for himself, sent an
on his way inside he is crushed by a bear shaped statue dropped from above
innocent man named Landor to a penal colony, where he died. Blore is
and which had been sitting on Vera's mantelpiece. Lombard decides that they
practical and careful, but he has very little imagination, which is possibly a
should find a high place on the Island and stay awake all night but when they
reason why he was not able to get promoted on his own merit. In spite of his
get there they find Armstrong dead. Vera and Lombard are the only two
careful observance of the guests, he is always guessing the wrong person as
remaining on the island. They both suspect the other but Vera manages to
the murderer and he is not careful enough to avoid his owndeath.
snatch Lombard's revolver and shoot him. She then feels a sudden calm and
walks back to the house intending to eat something and sleep. Instead she Thomas Rogers– The butler on Soldier Island, Mr. Rogers is a dedicated and
thinks about the little boy she tricked into drowning in an attempt to free the professional servant. He always brings the drinks and food on time and is
man she loved to marry her (except that the man figured it out and left her always polite and deferential. Yet he killed an old woman he used to work for,
immediately). She notices a noose hanging in her bedroom and a chair placed Jennifer Brady, by not administering her medicine so he could receive the
just under it, and hangs herself. money that Mrs. Brady had left to him and in his wife in her will.
The epilogue is set in Scotland Yard whereSir Thomas LeggeandInspector General John Gordon Macarthur– A general in World War I, he is the oldest
Maineare discussing the mystery murders on Soldier Island. They go through guest on the island and is suspected of intentionally sending a lieutenant,
all the facts but cannot understand how everyone on the Island could be dead. Arthur Richmond, to his death. Macarthur did this when he learned that
The final chapter is a letter from Wargrave describing how he has always been Richmond was having an affair with his life. Macarthur's guilty conscience has
obsessed with justice and death. As a small child he enjoyed killing animals, but always left him with the feeling that his fellow veterans know about his dark
he never wanted to harm anything innocent. This led him to a career in the past and he separated himself from his Army friends after the war ended. His
law, but he always felt something lacking. After learning he was soon to die wife also died soon after the war and he has been lonely and weary since then.
from a medical condition, he decided that for his final act in life he wanted to Once he gets to Soldier Island, he realizes that he is tired of life and the effort
commit the perfect murder. But he also did not want to kill innocent people, so that it takes to live with his secret, and is ready to die.
he collected a group of men and women who had committed crimes for which Ethel Rogers– Mr. Rogers's wife, Ethel cooks all the meals on the island and
they had never been punished, and brought them to Soldier Island. Then he does the housekeeping.Veranotices from the very beginning that Ethel looks
killed them one by one, saving the guiltiest for last. He hid his own involvement constantly frightened and this seems to relate to her sense ofguilt. Ms. Rogers
by getting the doctor to help fake his own death (tricking the doctor into dies in her sleep from poison during the first night on the island.
thinking such a ruse would help out the “real” murderer), and then killing the
Anthony Marston– This wealthy, daredevil of a young man is first seen
doctor. After Vera hanged herself, Wargrave arranged the house just so, and
zipping down the road in his fancy car. He once hit two children and killed
then carefully killed himself.
them, but he feels no remorse for the act because he believes it was an
accident. Marston is a man with basically no morals.
CHARACTERS
Isaac Morris– Morris is never actually present in the novel but he is hired by
Wargrave to purchase the island under the name of Mr. Owen, and find
Justice Wargrave– A recently retired Judge who quickly re-assumes this role plausible ways to invite all the guests. Owen is a shady businessman who has
on the island, holding impromptu "court cases" after nearly every murder. He been involved in the drug trade and convinced a daughter of one of
is obsessed withjustice, and also with death, as he reveals at the end of the Wargrave's friends to start taking drugs, after which she committed suicide.
novel through a letter placed in a bottle and put in the ocean. Since he was a Wargraveis able to kill Morris with poison even though Morris never comes
child he has taken great pleasure from the idea ofdeath, and even killed to Soldier Island, and Morris leaves no trace ofWargrave's presence in the
animals, but he was also pained by the idea of killing anyone who was innocent. business dealings that enabled the multiple murders on Soldier Island.
When he realized that he was going to die he decided to finally commit the
Fred Narracott– A man from the mainland who ferries the boat to Soldier
perfect murder – by killing people who had murdered themselves yet were
Island.
beyond the reach of the law.
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And Then There Were None
DEATH
THEMES
Death is obviously a central part ofAnd Then There Were None, but it is treated
JUSTICE quite casually. There is no pomp or circumstance surrounding the death of any
of the characters. They are laid out on their beds and that is it. This simplicity
Mystery novels, of which Agatha Christie is often considered the queen, comes from the fact that the characters revert to a more primitive state when
generally present a complex and confusing cast of characters that, through the death becomes present in their everyday lives. When so many people are
efforts of the detective/narrator/reader become organized into groups of dying there is no time for mourning, and life just has to go on. In addition, their
good and bad, black and white. Generally, there are one or two criminals and own murderous pasts have brought them to this proximity with death. The
lots of victims.And Then There Were Nonenever works out this neatly. Agatha characters have all killed other people so they are unusually knowledgeable
Christie presents justice as an ambiguous concept. Who deserves punishment about death.
and how much? The criminal ofAnd Then There Were None,Justice Wargrave, The inevitability of death is highlighted on Soldier's Island. Many of the
is a justice fanatic. He believes that because the guests on Soldier's Island all characters, such asVera,Anthony Marston,Mr. LombardandMr. Blore, feel
committed crimes for which they were never punished, they now deserve to immortal. They believe that they will be the ones to survive because they have
be emotionally tortured and eventually killed. Even if someone were to agree avoided danger at other times in their lives. Yet one ofWargrave's lessons is
that the ten criminals deserve such punishment, Wargrave's conception of that no one can escape death.
justice is complicated by the fact that, in the name of justice, he commits a
CLASS
much graver crime than any of the other characters in the novel.
Agatha Christie demonstrates that since humans are inherently flawed, justice Each character has a very specific, defined role in English society. For example,
is too. The ten victims inAnd Then There Were Nonewere able to get away with theRogerscome as servants, Vera as the secretary, and Anthony as the
their crimes because of some flaw in the system: there wasn't enough proof, moneyed socialite. There is a doctor, a judge, a general, and a spinster, and
the crime happened far away in another country, the death was caused by each play out their roles exactly as they should – at least when they are first on
some accidental carelessness that does not count as murder. Yet when they the island. This IN this way, the novel establishes the rigidity of the English
get to Soldier's Island they enter a sort of penal colony where justice all of a social order.And Then There Were Noneis set in 1930s England, a highly
sudden becomes an extremely rigid concept. By presenting the arbiter of stratified society where one's social class could define one's life and
justice as a life-long death and legal obsessed maniac, Agatha Christie shows relationships. The chaos and fear that comes to rule the island is the only thing
the danger in a simplistic view of justice. There is a reason that the system is that can break down these social and class barriers. Yet it is difficult for some
flawed, that one is innocent before proven guilty. There is no perfect way to of the characters to leave their expected roles, even when this puts them in
catch and punish every criminal, but breaking from the existing, flawed system danger. Mr. Rogers maintains his duties as servant even after his wife, along
is even more dangerous. At the end of the novel, when the house and island with some of the other guests, have been killed. He makes meals at the
are strewn with dead bodies it is hard to believe that the best answer to appropriate time, serves cocktail and even ventures out alone to chop wood
murder is more murder. for the guests – which leads to his death.
GUILT Agatha Christie sets up this rigid structure and maintains it for a while to
demonstrate how difficult it is to break down the barriers set by class. When it
And Then There Were Nonepresents two kinds of guilt: personal and legal. The does finally happen the characters don't only lose their social graces, they also
majority of the characters in the novel are people who have escaped the latter begin to revert to an inhuman, animalistic state. They start eating out of cans
but are plagued by the former.Justice Wargraveunderstands the power of in the kitchen, and leaving the house to find safety in nature.Veraeven
personal guilt as shown by the fact that he guessesVerawill kill herself when observes that the guests who have survived start to look more like animals.
she is the last one left on the island. Yet he does not believe that a sense of When their main worry is survival there is no time to worry about what is
personal guilt is enough. Wargrave cannot stand that these people have not proper. Yet Agatha Christie shows that it takes something of the magnitude of
been declared guilty by a court of law. Agatha Christie, on the other hand, being trapped on an island with an insane murderer to interfere with the class
shows that the self-inflicted punishment that comes from personal guilt is order of British society.
often even more painful than any sentence given by the law. For example,
General Macarthurwishes death upon himself because he cannot handle his SYMBOLS
guilt-ridden any longer and Vera is constantly plagued by dreams and visions
of the little boy she killed for the man she loved. Agatha Christie demonstrates
that guilt is not only doled out by a jury, but rather, like justice, it is a THE STORM
complicated concept that involves human flaws and inconsistencies.
In the very beginning of the novel,Mr. Bloreencounters an old man on the
ThroughMiss Emily Brent, the novel also presents a religious view of guilt.
train who warns him of a coming storm.Mr. Bloredoes not believe him
Brent's solid belief in God, and her belief that she is always in God's good
because it looks bright and sunny outside. Yet the storm does come. The slow
graces, means that she is incapable of feeling guilty. Her understanding of guilt
approach of this bad weather mirrors growing danger on Soldiers Island. At
is similar to Wargrave's understanding of justice: Brent believes that she is not
the same time, the storm itself puts the guests on the island in even greater
guilty because she killed asinningwoman, and Wargravebelieves that he can
danger. No one can get to or leave the island when there is any bad weather so
cause ten murders if it is in the name of justice. Both of these characters show
this random act of nature traps the characters – the weather only clears up
how guilt can be defined by one's own personal moral and legal system. The
once they are all dead. The storm also highlights how separated they all are
guests on Soldier's Island have been able to survive for so long with their own
from all civilization. Soldier's Island is completely isolated and still controlled
guilt because they come up with various definitions of right and wrong to
by the natural environment. The ten guests on the island have returned to a
pardon themselves. For example,Anthony Marstonthinks that he ran over
more primitive state of nature, a world totally consumed by the struggle to
those children accidentally so it doesn't matter – everyone has their own way
survive.
to cope with guilt. The central question at the end of the novel is “who is
guilty?” Is Wargrave guilty because he killed ten people? Or was he only THE ISLAND
following his duty as a servant of the law? Did the guests of Soldier's Island
The island is more than the setting of the novel. It also, like the storm, sets the
deserve their fate, were they guilty enough to deserve death no matter what?
characters is a space apart from the world. In this isolated space the typical
These answers depend on the reader's highly subjective understanding of
rules of law and civilization no loner hold any sway.
guilt.
FOOD
The change in the presence of food throughout the novel demonstrates the
demise of civilization and order on the island. When the guests first come to
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And Then There Were None
the island they have an elaborate meal prepared by Mrs. Rogers that is served —Mrs. Rogers
by Mr. Rogers. Even after Anthony Marston and Mrs. Rogers die, much of the
pomp and circumstance surrounding the presentation of food and drink
remains: the guests are served cocktails, and even after Mr. Rogers dies, Miss
Brent and Vera still make tea for the men. The persistence of these food “Oh, yes. I've no doubt in my own mind that we have been invited here by a
rituals shows how important and ingrained they are for these characters. And madman – probably a dangerous homicidal lunatic.”
when the rituals do break down – the guests start eating tongue and fruit out —Judge Wargrave
of cans, and eventually Vera and Lombard wont even return to the house to
get any food – it's clear that all law, order, and civilization has broken down in
the dwindling community on Soldier's Island.
THE MARK OF CAIN CHAPTER 4
Judge Wargrave explains this symbol in his secret letter, sealed in a bottle. He “Whoever it was who enticed us here, that person knows or has taken the
writes that the mark on his forehead is one of the three clues that could help trouble to find out a good deal about us all”
explain the nearly unsolvable murder he committed on Soldier's Island. The —Justice Wargrave
bullet wound on his forehead mirrors the mark that Cain received from God
after he murdered his brother Able, thereby committing the first murder in
the Bible. This mark shows that even Wargrave admits his own evil. As his
letter shows, he knows that he brought these guests to Soldier's Island not CHAPTER 5
only to seek justice for their unpunished murders, but also out of his own
bloodthirsty desire to kill. The mark symbolizes his sinfulness, and by He thought: Best of an island is once you get there – you can't go any farther …
extension the sinfulness and guilt of all of the people on the island. you've come to the end of things …He knew, suddenly, that he didn't want to
leave the island.
QUOTES —General Macarthur
CHAPTER 1
Why had Anthony Marston wanted to die?Shedidn't want to die. She couldn't
Definitely Soldiers Island was news! imagine wanting to die … Death was for – the other people …
—Justice Wargrave —Vera
“Watch and pray,” he said. “Watch and pray. The day of judgment is at hand.”
CHAPTER 6
—Old man on train
We're not going to leave the island… None of us will ever leave … It's the end,
you see – the end of everything …” He hesitated, then he said in a low strange
voice: “That's peace – real peace. To come to the end – not to have to go on …
Subsiding on his seat Mr. Blore thought to himself: he's nearer the jay of Yes, peace …”
judgment than I am! But there, as it happens, he was wrong . . . —General Macarthur
—Narrator
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 2
“I mean – it explains Soldier Island. There are crimes that cannot be brought
The faded blue eyes, shrewd in spite of their age, sized up Lombard. For a home to their perpetrators. Instance the Rogerses'. Another instance, old
moment a judgment showed in them – had there been anyone to read it. Wargrave, who committed his murder strictly within the law.”
—Mr. Lombard —Mr. Lombard
He might have noticed that a curious constraint came over the other members CHAPTER 9
of the party. It was as though the mention of their host and hostess had a
curiously paralyzing effect on the guests. “What's the sense of making yourself offensive? We're all in the same boat.
—Narrator We've got to pull together.”
—Mr. Lombard
The sea . . . So peaceful today – sometimes so cruel … The sea that dragged you
down to its depth. Drowned … Found drowned … Drowned at sea … Drowned “Your argument seems logical. I agree that one of us is possessed by a devil.”
– drowned – drowned … —Emily Brent
—Vera
CHAPTER 3
“It was the voice – that awful voice –like a judgment–”
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And Then There Were None
CHAPTER 10 —Vera
“I know very well that I'm not the murderer, and I don't fancy there's anything
insane about you, Vera. You strike me as being one of the sanest most
levelheaded girls I've come across. I'd stake my reputation on your sanity. How very quiet the house was. And yet –it didn't seem like an empty house …
—Lombard Hugo, upstairs, waiting for her …
—Vera
CHAPTER 11
EPILOGUE 1
“The damned fool, he believed every work I said to him. It was easy … I must be
careful, though, very careful.” “And therefore, sir, there must have beensomeone elseon the island. Someone
—Wargrave who tidied up when the whole business was over. But where was he all the
time – and were did he go to? The Sticklehaven people are absolutely certain
that no one could have left the island before the rescue boat got there. But in
that case –” … “But in that case,” he said, “who killed them?”
CHAPTER 12 —Inspector Maine
“One more of us acquitted – too late!”
—Wargrave
EPILOGUE 2
From my earliest youth I realized that my nature was a mass of contradictions.
CHAPTER 13 I have, to begin with, an incurably romantic imagination.
—Wargrave
There was little pretense now – no formal veneer of conversation. They were
five enemies linked together by a mutual instinct of self-preservation. And all
of them, suddenly, looked less like human beings. They were reverting to more
bestial types. I was born with other traits besides my romantic fancy. I have a definite
—Narrator sadistic delight in seeing or causing death.
—Wargrave
Philip Lombard's senses seemed heightened, rather than diminished. His ears
reacted to the slightest sound. His step was lighter and quicker, his body lithe I have wanted – let me admit frankly – to commit a murder myself. I
and graceful. And he smiled often, his lips curling back from his long white recognized this as the desire of the artist to express himself! I was, or could
teeth. me, an artist in crime! My imagination, sternly checked by the exigencies of my
—Narrator profession, waxed secretly to colossal force.
—Wargrave
CHAPTER 14
When the sea goes down, there will come from the mainland boats and men.
They'd believe her all right. Cyril often told stories. He was an untruthful child.
And they will find ten dead bodies and an unsolved problem on Soldier Island.
Cyril would know, of course. But that didn't matter … and anyway nothing
—Wargrave
wouldgo wrong. She'd pretend to swim out after him. But she'd arrive too late
… Nobody would ever suspect …Had Hugo suspected? Was that why he had
looked at her in that queer far-off way?… Had Hugoknown?
—Vera
SUMMARY & ANALYSIS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 15
Justice Wargravereads the paper on This establishes the mystery surrounding
“But don't yousee, he'smad? It's all mad! The whole thing of going by the
a first class train and starts thinking Soldier Island. No one knows the history
rhyme is mad! Dressing up the judge, killing Rogers when he was chopping
about his destination: Soldier Island. of the place, only that it has been owned
sticks – drugging Mrs. Roberts so that she overslept herself – arranging for a
He remembers the gossip that an by someone wealthy.
bumble bee when Miss Brent died! It's like some horrible child playing a game.
American millionaire had lived there
It's all got to fit in.”
but that it was then bought by Mr.
—Vera
Owen. This started many rumors that
it had actually been bought by a movie
star or a Lord.
CHAPTER 16
“Why did I never see his face properly before? A wolf – that's what it is – a wolf's face
… Those horrible teeth …”
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And Then There Were None
Justice Wargravetakes a letter out of The Justice's thoughts introduce Dr. Armstrongis driving up north, Armstrong's guilt is overpowered by the
his pocket. It is his invitation to Soldier information about the Island. In contrast, tired from his busy schedule as a knowledge of his success and money.
Island from Constance Culmington, a to Constance, Wargrave is presented as doctor. He thinks about his success This shows another technique that
woman he hasn't seen for seven years. a reliable figure, a sense strengthened by and the fact that he has been hired to characters use to cope with personal
Wargrave believes that all this his professional connection to the law. look over Mrs. Owen of Soldiers guilt. For Armstrong, the benefits
mystery and gossip around the Island Island for such a huge fee. He then outweigh the original crime.
is typical of someone like Constance. remembers how lucky he is that the
bad event fifteen years ago didn't ruin
Vera Claythorneis riding the same This quick jump between class groups his career.
train in third class and looks over a highlights the fact that no one knows
Tony Marstonspeeds his sports car Tony Marston has no feelings of guilt –
letter from Una Nancy Owen, asking anything but gossip about the island --
pastDr. Armstrong. He thinks that he is essentially conscienceless. He is
Vera to come to Soldier Island as a regardless of his or her privilege.
Mr. Owen's island should be fun, but almost barbaric – there is nothing more
secretary. Vera remembers all the Information is already beginning to
wonders whether there will be to him that his love of speed and thrills
gossip about the island and is excited conflict, introducing the mystery.
enough drinks. He thinks it's too bad and his beautiful exterior.
to see it. She has been working as a
that a movie star didn't really buy the
games mistress at a school, which she
Island. As he stops the car and steps
doesn't enjoy but feels lucky to have
out of it to get a drink, some women
because of a scandal in her past.
watch his handsome body.
Details fromVera's past come back: The lives of the characters are as
Mr. Bloreis on the slow train from Not only will the guests of Soldier Island
how nice Mrs. Hamilton was to her, mysterious as Soldier Island. Vera's
Plymouth, looking at a list of all the hide or obscure their pasts, some will
Hugo, and Cyril's head bobbing up actions also introduce a typical reaction
guests going to Soldier Island. He also flat out lie.
and down swimming to the rock. She to guilt in the novel: to put it immediately
thinks that the “job ought to be easy
remembers lying by the sea with out of one's mind.
enough.” Blore decides that he should
Hugo, and then quickly tries to put
pretend to be from South Africa.
him out of her mind.
Mr. Bloreremembers Soldier Island Blore has actually seen Soldier Island
Philip Lombardlooks atVerafrom Vera has just been daydreaming about a from when he was a boy and wonders and knows that it is not an idyllic spot.
across the carriage and thinks her an mysterious past but Lombard sees her as why anyone would want to build a The mysterious prediction of a coming
attractive and practical looking girl. practical. Appearances can be deceiving house there. A man in the corner of storm forebodes bad events to come.
He is on his way to Soldier Island for a in the novel. Lombard is also introduced the train wakes up and says that there
mysterious job.Mr. Isaac Morrisgave as a man with a mysterious, or guilty is a storm coming. Mr. Blore
him one hundred guineas to go to the past. comments that the weather looks fine,
Island and take the job, but would not but the old man assures him that a
tell him why. Philip Lombard thinks stormwill come.
the whole thing sounds a bit strange,
CHAPTER 2
but remembers that he has gotten
himself out of many tight spots in the
There are two taxis to meet the guests Small inconsistencies are starting to
past.
at the train station. The guests start to reveal themselves in the characters
Miss Emily Brentsits rigidly in her In addition to her rigid and self-righteous introduce themselves to each other. reasons for coming, but none of the
train car thinking about the weakness introduction, Miss Brent is also shown as Lombardremarks toVerathat it "guests" fully realize this yet.
and laziness of the current generation. being motivated by money. Her thoughts seems strange that she is taking up a
She goes over her invitation to Soldier further demonstrate that no one knows secretarial post in the middle of
Island in her head. It's from someone exactly why they were invited to Soldier summer, but she assures him it is not.
she met in a guest house a couple Island.
Mr. Bloreintroduces himself to the This is the first flat out lie of the novel.
years ago but the signature is messy
group as Mr. Davis from South Africa. Blore's lie also unintentionally reveals
(she can only make out U.N.O…) and
When he mentions that they shouldn't that no one quite knows why they are
Miss Brent cannot remember exactly
keep their hosts waiting a strange here. Then mention of the hosts puts
who this woman she met in the past is.
hush comes over the group. them on edge.
But Miss Brent doesn't have much
money anymore and is happy to have
a free vacation.
General Macarthur, in another train Macarthur's first thought is guilt about The taxis carry them to a dock. As all The novel foreshadows the death of
car, thinks about the trip he's on to his dark past. Almost every character is the guests are boarding the small boat Marston by mentioning that he seems
Soldier Island, where he will be shaped by his or her guilt or obsession to be ferried to the island, a large car “more then mortal” and then quickly
meeting some of his old army friends. with the past. zips down the road driven by a young, jumping out of the present action to
He is excited to talk about old times, handsome and powerful man. mention that the other characters will
and hopes that none of them believe Anthony Marstonhonks his horn and remember this thought later
or remember the rumor that had gets out of the car, he seems
floated around about him nearly thirty “something more than mortal.” Many
years ago. of the guests remember this fact later.
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And Then There Were None
The ferryman,Fred Narracott, thinks Narracott, an outsider, first notices the Dr. Armstrongarrives at the Island Armstrong believes (incorrectly) that the
as he drives the boat that this is a strangeness of the group. The fact that late. He was tired after his long drive island will be a place of rest. He also
strange bunch of guests. He was he is from a lower class makes him able and is excited to get to the island introduces the fact that Wargrave is
expecting fancier people in yachting to view the action as an outsider and where he feels he can leave the whole connected to death; the judge does not
clothes like the parties the American clearly see that this bunch doesn't seem world behind. Dr. Armstrong runs into just bring about justice, he is a man who
millionaire, Elmer Robson, used to to fit together. Yet he also reveals that he Justice Wargraveon the terrace and seems to enjoy pronouncing death
have. Narracott thinks that Mr. Owen knows nothing about the situation on remembers how he has had to testify sentences.
must be a “different kind of Soldier Island. for some of Wargrave's cases. He
gentleman,” but he is not sure because remembers that people call Wargrave
he has never seen Mr. or Mrs. Owen. a “hanging judge.”
Everything was organized and paid for
Wargravealso remembers Spoiler alert! At this point in the novel it
byMr. Morris.
Armstrongand thinks he is, like all is not at all possible to know that
Narracottlooks over everyone in the The same class difference that gives him doctors, a damn fool. Wargrave tells Wargrave will turn out to be the
boat and decided that onlyMr. clarity makes Narracott afraid to made Armstrong that the host and hostess murderer. But note how Christie allows
Marstonlooks like he should be there, any judgments about the group. are not here. He asks Armstrong if he Wargrave to lie to himself in his
since Marston looks like he was born knows Constance Culmington. He thoughts, masking that he is the
into money. But, Narracott decides, does not, and Wargrave thinks how mastermind. She leaves very few clues
what did he know? The whole event strange it is that there has been no for the reader – only the ones that the
seems very odd to him. mention of the woman who invited other characters could see.
him to the island.
The house finally comes into view. It is The scene is set—the guests will be cut
a very modern house.Lombard off from the world. Although the house is
comments that it must be difficult to well equipped, they will have no access
Antony Marstontakes a bath and The guests are primed for excitement.
land the boat in bad weather and to anything else.
thinks about the evening to come. A Though certainly not the kind that will
Narracottsays that the house can
shave, a cocktail, dinner … and then come.
sometimes be cut off for a week or
what?
more.
The guests enter the house, where the The beautiful surroundings contradict all
butler,Mr. Rogers,is waiting for the foreboding information about the Mr. Bloreworries that people know Blore intends his comment about not
them. The house is lovely, as is the island that has just been presented. Yet that he is lying. He notices the nursery being able to see the future to relate to
view of the ocean. The butler brings the mystery deepens when it becomes rhyme and thinks it a “neat touch.” He the guilt he feels regarding his current
them into the hall where drinks are clear that the host is not there. remembers coming to Soldier Island profession. But Christie also uses it to
laid out and tells them all that Mr. as a child and never thought he would foreshadow the events to come.
Owen is delayed and won't arrive until do this sort of job here. He thinks it's a
tomorrow. But he left instructions and good thing that he can't foresee the
everything is arranged; dinner is at future.
eight.
General Macarthurdecides he wants Macarthur is the first person to realize
Verais brought into her room by Mr. Mrs. Rogers's wife seems guilt-ridden as to leave the island, but the motorboat that something is wrong. Christie
Rogers's wife,Mrs. Rogerswho Vera well. In spite of the fact that she is taking has left so he'll have to stay. He thinks contrasts Macarthur's worry with
thinks looks “frightened of her own care of the house with her husband, Mrs. Lombard is strange and lying about Lombard's calmness in order to highlight
shadow.” Vera becomes Rogers knows nothing about the why the something.Lombardsmiles to himself that no one really know what is
uncomfortable wondering what this guests are here or what is going on. There as he walks down the stairs and thinks happening on the island. Not even the
woman is afraid of. Vera asks Mrs. is absolutely no information about the that he is going to enjoy this week. reader
Rogers if she knows that Vera is going Island available. It is a complete mystery.
to be the Owen's new secretary, to
which Mrs. Rogers responds that she
knows nothing, only a list of the names Emily Brentsits in her room reading The Bible offers a traditional sense of
of the guests. Mrs. Rogers reveals that from the Bible about sinners receiving justice and guilt. This will return later to
she and Mr. Rogers have never seen their punishment in hell. Then she show how the murderer—who also
Mr. Owen. They are the only servants goes down to dinner. believes in punishment for the guilty—is
on the island. playing God. Note also, though, that Miss
Brent, who also believes in these biblical
Verathinks that it's strange the The rhyme – which gives the Island and
teachings, denies her own guilt later.
Rogershave never seen Mr. Owen. the books their names – entertains Vera
She also thinks that the guests seem at first. At this point it only appears to be
odd. She walks around her modern a cute decoration. Christie slowly
bedroom and notices a white marble introduces the information that will
bear on her mantelpiece. She then come to plague her characters. She also
sees the old nursery rhyme hanging shows that Vera is consumed with guilt –
on the wall: “Ten Little Soldier Boys.” it crops up whenever she is idle.
It tells of 10 boys who die, first from
choking, then oversleeping, getting
stung by a bee, etc. Vera smiles when
she remembers that this is Soldier's
Island. She then looks out the window
at the sea and thinks of drowning.
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And Then There Were None
CHAPTER 3 Mr. RogersandDr. Armstrongtake Christie is very clear about which
Mrs. Rogersto bed.Marstonsays character does what action in an
Everyone feels better and starts to The comforts and pleasures of civilized that the needs a drink and he and attempt to bring the reader into the
enjoy themselves after dinner. society make everyone feel better. It is Lombardcome back with some detective work. She develops suspicion
Wargraveis amusing,Mr. Blore also revealed that the entire house is whiskey. Dr. Armstrong comes back for all of them
(pretending to be Davis) discusses structured around the idea of the Ten and says he has given Mrs. Rogers a
South Africa;Mr. Lombardcontinues Little Soldiers poem. In spite of this sedative.
to eye everyone suspiciously. oddity no one yet suspects that anything
Anthony Marstoncomments on the is wrong. This shows how much people Wargravethen takes charge and the The scene very quickly becomes a
small soldier figurines placed in the trust the order and structure of upper room becomes a court of law. courtroom controlled by Wargrave. This
middle of the table.Verapoints out class society. Everyone tries to pool their impromptu court adds to the feeling of
that they must be connected to the information to see what they know suspicion, but also keeps everything in
nursery rhyme in her bedroom and about the situation. It turns out that order. These very civilized characters are
everyone responds that they have the no one has ever seen Mr. Owen.Mr. dealing with the recent events in an
same thing in their own rooms. Rogersshows the letter from Mr. organized and civil manner. The society
Owen with their instructions.Mr. has not yet broken down.
Miss BrentandVeraget up and This is the first moment when the
Blorelooks at the letter and
everyone follows them to the drawing characters begin to see a crack in the
determines that there are no clues in
room. Vera says that it must be story—a crack we, as readers, have
it. Marston comments on Owen's
difficult to get here in a storm – hard known all along: the guests were not all
fancy name: Ulick Norman Owen.
to get servants. Miss Brent responds invited here by the same person.
that Mrs. Oliver was lucky to get Each continues to go around and The reader has more information than
these two. Vera thinks it's funny that explain their situation, and why they the characters as this point. A careful
old people always get names wrong were called here. They all provide the reader can find inconsistencies in the
and says that Mrs.Owenhas been same information that was given in characters' actions or stories, as we do
lucky indeed. Miss Brent says she's chapter one when each character was with Lombard.
never met anyone named Mrs. Owen. introduced, exceptLombardwho lies
and says that a mutual friend of Mr.
The men enter before the women can The secrets that everyone has been
Owen invited him.
finish their conversation.Mr. Rogers holding are all of a sudden revealed by an
serves coffee and all the guests feel anonymous voice. Each one of the Wargravethen turns toMr. Bloreand Blore switches the attention from
satisfied with their meals. All of a guests, who felt protected by the fact says that his given name, Davis, was himself and his own lies to their host, Mr.
sudden a recorded voice pierces the that no one knew about his or her past not mentioned in the recording. Mr. Owen. From this point on everyone is
silence. It charges each of the guests crime, has now been revealed as guilty. Blore explains that he is not actually constantly under trial and trying to keep
with a murder. It knows the specific The voice also structures the speech as if Mr. Davis but says that he was hired the guilt off of him or herself.
date of the murders and the names of it were a court, implying that there will by Mr. Owen as a detective to watch
the people killed. The voice ends with be justice. over Mrs. Owen's jewels. But now
“Prisoners at the bar, do you have Blore believes that there is no Mr.
anything to say in your defense?” Owen.
When the recording ends,Mr. Rogers Christie often provides information Wargraveagrees, and points out that Now it is clear that there is no Mr. Owen
drops the coffee tray and at the same about whodoesn'treact to events. This the initials given U. N. Owen can be – a person with a false identity has lured
time there is a scream and a thud as draws the reader to participate in the easily turned into UNKNOWN. Vera them all to this island. And whoever this
Mrs. Rogers faints. Everyone starts detective work. exclaims that this is all insane while unknown person is, he is trying to kill
frantically asking what happened and Wargrave announces his belief that them all.
onlyWargraveandMiss Brentseem they are dealing with a “dangerous
unmoved. homicidal lunatic.”
Wargravelooks around the room and The discovery of the gramophone shows
CHAPTER 4
opens a door where he finds a the guests that the whole speech was
gramophone on a table. There are planned long in advance. It also shows Wargravecontinues the impromptu Wargrave uses logic to argue that not
three holes in the wall to the other that whoever planned this stunt has a court session and shows his own only is Mr. Owen homicidal, everyone on
room so the sounds can get through. sense of the theatrical. proof: the letter from Lady Constance this island also really is a murderer. This
Mrs. Rogers comes to andDr. Culmington inviting him to Soldier complicates the concept of guilt. The
Armstronggives her brandy. Island. He then concludes that victims are also guilty. And it complicates
whoever invited them all to the island any effort the victims might make to
WargraveasksRogersif he put the Whoever organized this was able to use knew enough about them to create band together, because how can they
record on. Mr. Rogers tells them that Rogers without arousing his suspicious. A plausible reasons to invite them there. trust each other?
he was told to turn the gramophone “Swan Song” is the last effort made He implies that this means that the
on, but assumed that it was music. He before death – an ominous, foreboding accusations of murder could be true.
swears that Mr. Owen instructed him title.
to do it. The name of the record is Wargraveexplains away the Wargrave then tries to say that he is not
“Swan Song.” accusation placed against him: he was one of the guilty parties, but it seems like
the judge for the case of Edward although he killed someone within the
Seton and sentenced him to law, it may have also been more
execution.Dr. Armstrongthinks to personal, or he may have enjoyed it.
himself that he remembers the case
and it seemed as if Wargrave had
something personal against Seton.
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And Then There Were None
Veraexplains that she had been a Each person has a clean way to explain Everyone agrees that they should Marston, the one who feels no guilt, is
governess to Cyril Hamilton. One day away his or her accusation of guilt. leave as soon as possible except the first to die. As will be made evident,
Cyril swam off into the ocean while Anthony Marston, who suggests that the killer tries to kill the victims in order
Vera wasn't paying attention and they should stay and try to solve the of their guiltiness and guilt.
although she swam after him she mystery. Then he takes a drink,
couldn't catch up. chokes, and quickly dies.
General Macarthurexplains that he But we have already seen that that they
CHAPTER 5
sent a man, Arthur Richmond, on a are plagued with guilt, so their
reconnaissance mission during the explanations cannot be completely true.
Dr. Armstrongjumps up to check The shift from healthy life to cold death
War (WWI) and he was killed. The In this way, Christie allows the reader to
Marston's pulse and proclaims him is so quick that no one can believe it.
voice had accused Macarthur of see the difference between the
dead. No one can believe it because Although Marston has just been
sending Richmond to his death characters' inner lives and their
Anthony looked like such a healthy, poisoned no one tries to figure out who
because he had an affair with presentation to the world.
godlike man. Armstrong smells did it. It seems unlikely, given his
Macarthur's wife and the General
Anthony's breath and states that he personality, but they all believe it must
says that this is completely false.
has been poisoned. He then smells the have been suicide. They don't believe
bottle of whisky and the soda and says that anyone would murder Marston
Lombardexplains that he got lost with Lombard and Marston are more they are both un-poisoned, so without knowing him and without having
some natives in Africa in the bush. He forthcoming about the deaths that they Marston must have put the poison in good reason.
abandoned them to save himself. were involved in. This is because they do his own glass. No one can believe it
Anthony Marstonsays he ran over not feel as guilty about them. but they can't think of a better
some children accidentally and that it explanation.Miss Brentsuggests that
wasn't his fault. they should all go to bed.
Rogersexplains that he andMrs. The Rogerses are the first to Mr. Rogerschecks on his wife and They still maintain civilized practices,
Rogerswere taking care of an old demonstrate that they got something out says that she is sleeping well. but they are starting to fade.
woman and when she got sick Rogers of the death that they caused. They show Everyone goes upstairs, says
went out to find a doctor but by the a clear motive, while other characters try goodnight and locks their doors
time he got back she was dead. The to present the murders they committed
old woman left the Rogerses money in as accidental. Wargrave, alone in his room, thinks of A soldier is taken away because one of
her will. Seton. He remembers how much he the guests has been killed, a pattern that
enjoyed the case: Seton's lawyer had will be repeated throughout the novel.
made a great final speech but then We learn that Wargrave feels no guilt.
Mr. Bloreexplains that he was on a Blore, like the Rogerses, shows that he Wargrave summed it up and sealed
bank robbery case and he got the benefited from his crime. Seton's execution. Downstairs,
evidence that sent a man named Rogersnotices that one of the
Landor into penal servitude where he Soldiers on the dining-room table has
soon died. This led Mr. Blore to get a gone missing.
promotion.
General Macarthurcannot fall asleep Macarthur's life, since he sent Richmond
Mr. Armstrongsays he can't quite Armstrong is hiding the true story, and because he keeps thinking of to his death, has been plagued with guilt.
remember the name of the patient he, like others, believes that he can hide Richmond. Macarthur had loved his Christie slowly reveals the reason that
who died during an operation. But it because no one else should know the wife, Leslie, and was happy when she each character committed murder. They
then he thinks to himself that it really truth. This is contradicted by their became friends with Richmond. He are all ambiguously guilty. For example,
was his fault – he was drunk during presence on the island. was devastated when he found out, Macarthur did not actively kill
the operation, but wonders who could from a misaddressed love letter, that Richmond. This is why he has been able
possibly have told. Leslie was having an affair with to conceal it, and has not been punished,
Richmond. He was so angry that he for so many years.
deliberately sent Richmond to his
Mrs. Brentadmits to nothing. She Mrs. Brent feels no guilt because of her
death. Leslie never said anything and
says that she has always lived by her sense of religious righteousness.
died three or four years later.
conscience and has nothing to admit.
Macarthur worried that other people
in the Army had known; he never had
any real knowledge that anyone did,
With each story someone in the group The characters suspect each other
but he began avoiding his fellow
thinks that the speaker must be lying. because most of them are lying
veterans.
After the evidence has been themselves. This shows that a sense of
presented,Wargravesuggests that personal guilt leads you to suspect Macarthurwonders whether anyone Macarthur realizes that his guilt has
they should try to leave as soon as others. Each character personally knows believed the accusation and then become too burdensome. He does not
possible.Rogerstells him that there is the depths to which a person can fall, thinks that it is impossible that the even want to live anymore. Almost every
no boat on the island and the man who and the lengths to which he will go to two women on the Island had character has made the sacrifice of living
delivers food,Fred Narracott, will not hide it—because they have all done it. committed murder. He wonders when with guilt to avoid punishment, and this
come again until the morning. they will all leave and then thinks of all has become too much for Macarthur.
the troubles and worries that await
him on the mainland. He realizes then
that he doesn't want to leave the
island.
Summary & Analysis www.LitCharts.com | @litcharts ©2014 | Page 9
And Then There Were None
In her own bed,Verathinks about Vera is the first to make the connection Outside, after breakfast,Lombard Macarthur has decided that he no longer
Hugo, who said that he couldn't marry between the nursery rhyme hung on the asksBlorewhat he thinks about the wants to live with so much guilt and has
her because he didn't have enough walls and the first death. The events of motorboat not arriving. Blore thinks resigned himself to the fact that he will
money, and that he would have the night have brought back her that it is not an accident that it hasn't never escape the island. Blore and
inherited money if Cyril hadn't been recurring, yet murky, memory about come and thenMacarthurjumps in Lombard have not given up and so they
born. Vera knew that Cyril wasn't very Cyril and Hugo, although we do not fully the conversation and says that the only want to see Macarthur as crazy.
strong but Cyril kept whining, understand what happened yet. Her boat will never come. He continues by
annoyingly, that he wanted to swim belief that death is for “other people” saying that they are not going to leave
out to the rock. Vera looks at the shows her idea (which other characters the island and that this is the end of
poem on the wall that says, “Ten little share) that she is somehow exempt from everything. Macarthur walks away
soldier boys went out to dine; One the rules and laws that govern human unsteadily. Blore says that Macarthur
choked on his little self and then there life. has gone crazy.
were Nine.” She realizes that this was
RogerscallsArmstronginto the The soldiers continue to disappear as
just like tonight. She can't imagine
dining room and says very nervously characters die. There seems to be some
thatAnthony Marstonwould want to
that something is wrong. Rogers says larger plan that no one yet understands.
die – or that anyone could want to die.
that he counted the little soldiers on
She thinks death is forotherpeople.
the table after dinner and there were
CHAPTER 6 10, before they went to bed there
were 9 and now there are 8.
Dr. Armstrongdreams that he is As the characters are forced to face their
performing his failed operation again. pasts, vivid memories of guilt come back CHAPTER 7
But in his dream he is operating on to them. It happened to Vera last chapter
VeraandEmily Brentgo for a walk to The characters are still hoping for a way
Miss Brentand realizes that he has to and now to Armstrong in his dreams.
the summit of the island to look for to escape. Miss Brent's religious
kill her. She laughs at him and says, “In Further, the characters begin to think
the boat. Vera has begun to get very certainty makes her feel very willing to
the midst of life we are in death.” She about killing each other, as none of them
nervous and tries to tell herself to pronounce guilt on others, though she
then turns intoAnthony Marston, can trust the others as death is taking
calm down. She asks Miss Brent seems to feel none at her own actions.
and Armstrong wakes up. Rogers is them one by one.
whether she thinks theRogersesare
shaking him and says that he can't
really guilty and Miss Brent says that
wake his wife up.
they certainly are.
Armstronggoes down to seeMrs. The second death proves that something Veraasks if this means thatMiss Brent's dogmatic religious fervor means
Rogersand sees that she is in fact is truly wrong on the island. Both deaths Brentbelieves the others are guilty. that although she sees herself as
dead. Armstrong asks Mr. Rogers if he appear inexplicable, but it is clear that Brent says that besidesLombardwho innocent and pure she thinks that
gave anything to his wife last night they can't both have been accidental or killed the natives and theRogers, all everyone else is a sinner and a liar.
and Rogers responds that all she took suicide. the other stories seem rather
was what Armstrong gave her. ridiculous.
Emily Brentsays that given the Regardless of the circumstances (in this
Everyone is downstairs for breakfast Everyone's one hope is now escape from circumstances last night, with case everyone in the room had just been
at nine o'clock.VeraandLombardhad the island. But it does not seem as if gentlemen around, she of course accused of murder), Brent maintains her
walked up to the summit of the island anyone will come. They are stuck on this wasn't going to say anything about sense of decorum. She didn't share her
to look down at the house. They tell remote island—all they have is each her own story. Miss Brent continues story because she thought it would have
the others thatMr. Bloreis up there other. that Beatrice Taylor was in her service been improper. Her sense of strict
now, looking for the boat, but nothing but she turned out to not be a “nice religious rules means she has missed out
has come. girl.” When Miss Brent found out that on an important part of Christianity:
Beatrice had gotten “in trouble” as compassion.
After breakfastArmstrongtells the There are many theories going around they say, she kicked her out of her
rest of the guests thatMrs. Rogers about this new death. Each character house, as did Beatrice's parents. After
died last night. Armstrong says that he creates an idea that is in line with his or this happened Beatrice threw herself
cannot tell how she died.Miss Brent her own character. Miss Brent sees into a river to kill herself.
thinks that she died from a guilty everything in terms of religion, Blore in
Verais horrified by this story butMiss Miss Brent's lack of guilt or sympathy for
conscience; she calls it an Act of God. terms of self-serving and cold-blooded
Brentfeels no guilt or remorse. She other people shows the flaws a strict,
Mr. Blorethinks that Mr. Rogers actions.
says that if Beatrice had behaved like unwavering view of right and wrong can
killed his wife so she wouldn't spill the
a “decent modest young woman” none create. Just as a justice system without
beans about the murder they had
of it ever would have happened. Vera exceptions or nuance is flawed.
committed together.
is now even more horrified.
Mr. Rogersthen comes in and Because they are all so worried about
Wargraveasks him what time the their own lives, no one at first takes the
motorboat normally comes to the time to comfort Rogers or acknowledge
island. Rogers tell shim about 7 or his loss. They are losing their civility and
8am, but that it is now 9:50am. moving towards a more primal,
Everyone is silent untilMacarthurall survivalist state.
of a sudden tells Rogers that he is
sorry to hear about his wife.
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