AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Introduction About the

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Introduction

About the Author: Agatha Christie • Agatha Christie is an English novel writer, short story writer, and playwright. • She was born on September 15, 1890 in Devon, England. • Christie is one of the best-selling novelists of all time. • She is often referred to as “The Queen of Mystery” • Two of her most famous novels are Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None.

Background Information • And Then There Were None was published on November 6, 1939. (Before the start of WWII). • Christie referred to this novel as the most difficult novel she has written in her career. • The novel has gone through a change of titles after it has been published due to the acceptance of some words in the English language. • The novel is part of the crime/mystery genre. • When first published, the novel received a flood of positive reviews because of Christie’s use of mystery and plot twists.

Setting • The story takes place in Devon, England during 1939. • Devon is a section of England that is on a rocky coast. • The plot of the story begins when ten people who have never met each other are invited to spend some time on an island off the coast of Devon. • The small island that the guests are invited to is called Soldier Island. • Soldier Island is mysterious because nobody knows who owns it. Many believe that it belongs to a movie star.

Plot • The novel begins with ten strangers being invited to an island off the coast of Devon. • All of these people have never met each other and as soon as the get to the island, they begin to realize that they do not know who invited them there. • One by one, the characters are killed of, but they do not know who is doing the killing. • All of the characters are trapped on the island because there is a storm and a boat cannot make it to the island to rescue them. • WARNING: DO NOT READ AHEAD!!!!

Characters Vera Claythorne • Was a school mistress before she left for Soldier Island. Justice Lawrence Wargrave • Was a well respected judge before coming to Soldier Island. • Is invited to Soldier Island to work a secretary job for a Mrs. Owen. • He is described as being old and grumpy. • Is not married, but mentions a man named Hugo. • Invited to Soldier Island by an old acquaintance named Constance Culmmington.

Characters cont. Philip Lombard • Worked for a secret mission for the military in Africa before coming to Soldier Island. Emily Brent • Very religious and pious woman. • Is unmarried and has no children. • Many of the other characters are suspicious of him. • Invited by a Mr. Morris to join the party to Soldier Island. • She was invited to Soldier Island by an old friend that she met on vacation a few years back.

Characters cont. Dr. Armstrong General Macarthur • Retired war general for the British Army. • A physician who works in London. • Most of his patients are women and he is a popular doctor. • Invited to Soldier Island to personally care for Mrs. Owne. • Is deeply devoted to his wife. • He is invited to Soldier Island by some old war buddies.

Characters cont. Anthony Marston William Blore • Retired police officer and investigator. • Described as being young, handsome, and attractive. • Invited to Soldier Island by Owen to be a private investigator. • Is very rich and likes to show off his wealth. • Invited as a guest to vacation on Soldier Island by Owen.

Characters cont. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers • Married couple • Invited to Soldier Island by a Mr. and Mrs. Owen in order to be servants for their guests. • Have never met the Owens, even when they arrive to the island.

Why is the novel still read today? • And Then There Were None is still the most widely read mystery/crime novel in literature. • The novel has been turned into many different films and plays. • References to the novel are made throughout other literary and cultural works that you will experience. • The novel is really interesting and compelling.

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