Murder on the Orient Express - Chapters 1-8 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where does Monsieur Poirot board the train?

In Syria

Judging from Christie's description, what season is it?

winter

How many other passengers are on the train?

Of the four characters introduced in Chapter 1, which three will be most important to the story?

Mary, Colonel Arbuthnot, and Poirot Signup and view all the answers

How does Poirot view the other two passengers?

Mary is efficient; the Colonel quiet, reserved, and disdainful of anyone not British. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Poirot scheduled to depart the train?

Stamboul (modern day Constantinople, Turkey) Signup and view all the answers

Why isn't Mary exiting there, too?

She's already been there and spent 2 days. She doesn't feel the need to go there again. Signup and view all the answers

What two things has Poirot already learned in Chapter 1 about Mary's occupation and her demeanor simply by eavesdropping?

Occupation: Governess/ Demeanor: She is efficient, poised, and can take care of herself. Signup and view all the answers

What item that Poirot receives from the concierge surprises the Belgian?

A telegram Signup and view all the answers

As Poirot is heading to the dining room at the Hotel Tokatlian, whom does he encounter?

M. Bouc (A Belgian; director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons Lits. He is a former star of the Belgian police force.) Signup and view all the answers

How does Poirot describe the older American man in the dining room at the hotel?

*60-70 years old; slightly bald head, domed forehead, smiling mouth with white, false teeth. Seemed to have benevolent personality- except for his eyes (They were deep-set and crafty- with a strange malevolence.) Signup and view all the answers

What is unusual about the Stamboul-Calais sleeping car for this season of the year?

It was full. Signup and view all the answers

What berth is Poirot assigned to? Who is his roommate?

No. 7- MacQueen Signup and view all the answers

After Bouc and Mr. Ratchett's traveling companion leave the dining car, which passenger approaches Poirot?

Mr. Ratchett Signup and view all the answers

What is his purpose?

He asks Poirot to take on a job for him. He has an enemy making threats on his life and wants Poirot to keep him safe. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Poirot not accept?

He tells him he does not like his face. Signup and view all the answers

What does Poirot learn when he re-boards at Belgrade from the platform?

He has been moved to compartment No. 1 (M. Bouc's compartment). Signup and view all the answers

What awakens Poirot in the middle of the night?

A loud groan, almost a cry close by/ a ting of a bell sounded. Signup and view all the answers

Why does he think the train is not moving?

He thought it was at the station. Signup and view all the answers

When he goes to the door of his compartment, what does he hear from Ratchett's room?

A voice in French responding to the knock of the conductor that says, 'It is nothing. I am fine.' Signup and view all the answers

Though Poirot tries to go back to sleep, he cannot. What does he hear from next door, Ratchett's room?

He hears Ratchett moving about next door (Click, sound of water running, splashing, click). Signup and view all the answers

Who rings for the porter when Poirot remembers he did not request his usual mineral water?

Mrs. Hubbard Signup and view all the answers

When the porter comes to Poirot's compartment, what is the porter's complaint against Mrs. Hubbard?

He says that she thinks there is a man in your room. He tells her that that is impossible, but she is insistent. Signup and view all the answers

What else does the porter explain to Poirot?

He explains that the train has stopped because of a snow drift. Signup and view all the answers

Just as Poirot is about to drift off to sleep again, he is awakened by a thud against his door. What does he see as he looks out his door?

He sees a woman in a scarlet kimono walking away and the conductor entering figures on a sheet. Signup and view all the answers

M. Bouc summons Poirot for what reason?

Because a passenger had been stabbed. M. Bouc wants Poirot to solve the murder. Signup and view all the answers

What is MacQueen's reaction when Poirot informs the valet that his boss has been killed?

His eyes grew a shade brighter (showed no signs of shock). Signup and view all the answers

Why is MacQueen convinced it was murder and not just a death since he is not told how his employer died?

The old man was tough as could be. He also was receiving threatening letters. Signup and view all the answers

How many times has Ratchett's body been stabbed?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What item is not found in the room?

The murder weapon Signup and view all the answers

As the door was locked and chained, how does one assume the killer left the compartment after committing the crime?

window Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't the above answer make sense since the train has been stopped by a snowdrift?

Footprints (tracks) are missing outside. Signup and view all the answers

What hand would have been the dominant hand of the killer based on the wounds?

Both right and left (at least 2 killers). Signup and view all the answers

What does Poirot discover about the true identity of Ratchett?

He is Cassetti - he murdered little Daisy Armstrong (he got off on a technicality and has been fleeing). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Murder on the Orient Express

Monsieur Poirot boards the train in Syria during winter.
There are 2 other passengers onboard, making a total of 3 on the train.

Key Characters Introduced

Important characters include Mary, Colonel Arbuthnot, and Poirot due to the significant time spent on their introductions.
Poirot perceives Mary as efficient and Colonel Arbuthnot as quiet, reserved, and disdainful towards non-British individuals.

Train Journey Details

Poirot’s scheduled departure is from Stamboul (modern-day Constantinople).
Mary doesn't exit with Poirot because she has previously spent 2 days there and feels no need to return.

Poirot's Observations

Poirot learns from eavesdropping that Mary is a governess and that she is poised and capable.
He receives a surprising telegram from the concierge.

Dining Room Encounters

Poirot meets M. Bouc, the director of the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons Lits, and former Belgian police star.
An older American man in the dining room is noted to be 60-70 years old, appearing benevolent except for his deep-set, crafty eyes.

Cabin Assignments and Tensions

Poirot is assigned to cabin No. 7 with roommate MacQueen.
Mr. Ratchett approaches Poirot, seeking protection from threats on his life; Poirot declines based on his unfavorable impression of Ratchett.

Nighttime Incidents

After re-boarding at Belgrade, Poirot is informed he has been moved to compartment No. 1.
A noise awakens Poirot at night; he mistakenly thinks the train is stationary.

Strange Events Aboard the Train

He overhears a French response from Ratchett’s compartment when the conductor knocks.
Mrs. Hubbard, seeking assistance, believes there is a man in her room, prompting an explanation from the porter about the train stopping due to snow.

Discovery of a Murder

Poirot is summoned by M. Bouc after a passenger is found stabbed, leading Poirot to investigate.
MacQueen shows signs of confidence rather than shock when informed of Ratchett’s murder.

Murder Investigation Findings

Ratchett has been stabbed 12 times, and the murder weapon is missing.
The door was secured from the inside, suggesting the killer escaped through the window.

Further Investigation Insights

Despite the snowdrift, there are no footprints outside, raising questions about the escape.
Autopsy insights suggest the killer was ambidextrous or there were at least two killers involved.

True Identity Revealed

Poirot discovers Ratchett's true identity: he is Cassetti, responsible for the murder of Daisy Armstrong and has evaded justice due to a legal technicality.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of the first eight chapters of 'Murder on the Orient Express' with these flashcards. Explore key characters, settings, and details introduced by Agatha Christie, helping you retain important information from the story. Perfect for students and fans alike!