American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Murder on the Orient Express: A Journey into the Labyrinth of Human Nature
Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie is a classic novel that has enthralled readers for many years. It is far more than just an engrossing murder mystery; it is an intricate investigation of human nature that goes to the core of our drives, aspirations, and potential for both good and evil.

The story takes place during a blizzard as the opulent Orient Express is stuck in a snowdrift. Samuel Ratchett, an affluent American businessman, is discovered dead in his compartment amid the lavish surroundings. Here comes famed investigator Hercule Poirot, whose mission is to solve the case before the train arrives at its destination.

A Group of Potential Witnesses:

As a result of his inquiry, Poirot meets a variety of passengers, each of whom has ulterior intentions and unspoken secrets. There's the colorful Broadway actress Miss Debenham, who has a questionable history; the stoic Princess Dragomiroff, who is troubled by a prior tragedy; and the mysterious Count Andrenyi, who has a reputation for intrigue and gaming.

We are dragged into the maze of each passenger's life as Poirot carefully questions them. We get a peek of their grudges, secrets, and jealousies. Christie skillfully instills distrust and anxiety in the reader, leading them to wonder about everyone's motivations and justifications.

Revealing the Human Face:

The book delves into the depths of human nature, going beyond a simple whodunit. Christie poses morality, justice, and the intricate web of human relationships as issues that are brought up by the acts and intentions of the characters. We witness how personal traumas can mold people into the characters they end up being, sending them down regretful or vengeful roads.

The way Christie presents the idea of justice is among the book's most captivating features. Poirot explores the protagonists' inner life, exposing their guilt and making them face their deeds, while traditional judicial justice is missing. The mystery is deepened by this internal battle for justice, which elevates it above a simple hunt for the perpetrator.

The Unbreakable Hold of Destiny:

The characters are plagued by a sense of fate and inevitability throughout the entire book. There's a sense of claustrophobia and captivity because of the train's limited space and the dangerous snowfall outside. The sense that the passengers are all somehow involved in the crime and that their pasts would eventually come up with them is strengthened by the atmosphere.

An Everlasting Classic:

Because of its skill in capturing the complexity of human nature, Murder on the Orient Express is still regarded as a literary masterpiece. The reader will be kept guessing right up until the very conclusion of this exciting book. Beyond the suspense, though, the book provides a thoughtful analysis of the influences on our lives and the results of our deeds. It serves as a reminder that we are all travelers navigating the maze of human nature and having to deal with the unavoidable effects of our decisions.

Extra Information

Numerous movies and television shows have been made based on the book, and each one does a unique job of expressing the core plot.
Scholars and readers of literature alike continue to analyze and debate Murder on the Orient Express, confirming its status as a timeless masterpiece of the mystery genre.
The book's ongoing appeal is a tribute to Christie's skillful narrative and her capacity to explore the darkest corners of human nature.