Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where does Monsieur Poirot board the train?
Where does Monsieur Poirot board the train?
In Syria
Judging from Christie's description, what season is it?
Judging from Christie's description, what season is it?
winter
How many other passengers are on the train?
How many other passengers are on the train?
2
Of the four characters introduced in Chapter 1, which three will be most important to the story?
Of the four characters introduced in Chapter 1, which three will be most important to the story?
How does Poirot view the other two passengers?
How does Poirot view the other two passengers?
Where is Poirot scheduled to depart the train?
Where is Poirot scheduled to depart the train?
Why isn't Mary exiting there, too?
Why isn't Mary exiting there, too?
What two things has Poirot already learned in Chapter 1 about Mary's occupation and her demeanor simply by eavesdropping?
What two things has Poirot already learned in Chapter 1 about Mary's occupation and her demeanor simply by eavesdropping?
What item that Poirot receives from the concierge surprises the Belgian?
What item that Poirot receives from the concierge surprises the Belgian?
As Poirot is heading to the dining room at the Hotel Tokatlian, whom does he encounter?
As Poirot is heading to the dining room at the Hotel Tokatlian, whom does he encounter?
How does Poirot describe the older American man in the dining room at the hotel?
How does Poirot describe the older American man in the dining room at the hotel?
What is unusual about the Stamboul-Calais sleeping car for this season of the year?
What is unusual about the Stamboul-Calais sleeping car for this season of the year?
What berth is Poirot assigned to? Who is his roommate?
What berth is Poirot assigned to? Who is his roommate?
After Bouc and Mr. Ratchett's traveling companion leave the dining car, which passenger approaches Poirot?
After Bouc and Mr. Ratchett's traveling companion leave the dining car, which passenger approaches Poirot?
What is his purpose?
What is his purpose?
Why does Poirot not accept?
Why does Poirot not accept?
What does Poirot learn when he re-boards at Belgrade from the platform?
What does Poirot learn when he re-boards at Belgrade from the platform?
What awakens Poirot in the middle of the night?
What awakens Poirot in the middle of the night?
Why does he think the train is not moving?
Why does he think the train is not moving?
When he goes to the door of his compartment, what does he hear from Ratchett's room?
When he goes to the door of his compartment, what does he hear from Ratchett's room?
Though Poirot tries to go back to sleep, he cannot. What does he hear from next door, Ratchett's room?
Though Poirot tries to go back to sleep, he cannot. What does he hear from next door, Ratchett's room?
Who rings for the porter when Poirot remembers he did not request his usual mineral water?
Who rings for the porter when Poirot remembers he did not request his usual mineral water?
When the porter comes to Poirot's compartment, what is the porter's complaint against Mrs. Hubbard?
When the porter comes to Poirot's compartment, what is the porter's complaint against Mrs. Hubbard?
What else does the porter explain to Poirot?
What else does the porter explain to Poirot?
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?
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?
M. Bouc summons Poirot for what reason?
M. Bouc summons Poirot for what reason?
What is MacQueen's reaction when Poirot informs the valet that his boss has been killed?
What is MacQueen's reaction when Poirot informs the valet that his boss has been killed?
Why is MacQueen convinced it was murder and not just a death since he is not told how his employer died?
Why is MacQueen convinced it was murder and not just a death since he is not told how his employer died?
How many times has Ratchett's body been stabbed?
How many times has Ratchett's body been stabbed?
What item is not found in the room?
What item is not found in the room?
As the door was locked and chained, how does one assume the killer left the compartment after committing the crime?
As the door was locked and chained, how does one assume the killer left the compartment after committing the crime?
Why doesn't the above answer make sense since the train has been stopped by a snowdrift?
Why doesn't the above answer make sense since the train has been stopped by a snowdrift?
What hand would have been the dominant hand of the killer based on the wounds?
What hand would have been the dominant hand of the killer based on the wounds?
What does Poirot discover about the true identity of Ratchett?
What does Poirot discover about the true identity of Ratchett?
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
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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!
