What is the physical journey like in the novel "Murder on the Orient Express" and how does it add to the meaning?
Doesn't the whole story take place on a moving train?
How does that make events different from when a story takes place in a house or town or the mountains?
In the novel "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie, the physical journey on the Orient Express is an important element that adds to the meaning of the story. The journey itself serves as a microcosm of society, with a diverse group of passengers from different backgrounds and nationalities.
Firstly, the physical journey on the Orient Express creates a locked room mystery. The train is traveling through Europe during the winter, and due to heavy snow, it is unable to reach its final destination, Istanbul. This isolation and confinement within the train establishes an atmosphere of tension and suspicion among the passengers, highlighting the claustrophobic setting of the murder mystery.
Additionally, the confined space of the train allows for an intimate and controlled environment for the investigation to take place. The limited number of suspects and the necessity for them to interact in close quarters intensify the immediate sense of danger and suspicion. The train's restricted setting enhances the sense of suspense, as Hercule Poirot, the detective, methodically unravels the mystery.
Moreover, the physical journey mirrors the investigation itself. As the train moves forward, Poirot actively gathers evidence and interviews the passengers, metaphorically progressing towards the truth. The train's momentum represents the forward momentum of the investigation, with each stop along the way revealing more clues, motives, and potential suspects.
Furthermore, the diverse group of passengers on the train represents a microcosm of society, reflecting the geopolitical tensions of the time. The novel is set in the aftermath of World War I, and the passengers come from different countries with various nationalities, social classes, and backgrounds. This diversity serves as a backdrop to the murder, highlighting the complex web of relationships and hidden motives that Poirot must navigate.
In summary, the physical journey on the Orient Express in "Murder on the Orient Express" adds to the meaning of the story by creating a locked room mystery, intensifying the suspense and danger, mirroring the investigation, and emphasizing the socio-political context of the time. The confined setting of the train allows for a controlled and tense environment, where Poirot methodically unravels the mystery, while the diverse group of passengers adds depth to the plot and amplifies the underlying themes of the novel.