Monday, February 8, 2010
Murder on the Orient Express
In writing "Murder on the Orient Express," Christie was clearly inspired by the most sensational crime of the period, the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's son in 1932. Does the connection to this famous, real-life tragedy enhance the power of the novel? What can a fictionalized version of a crime provide that contemporaneous reporting or historical account cannot? Is Christie's resolution more satisfying than what actually occurred in the Lindbergh case?
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I think that the connection to the Lindbergh case does enhance the novel because it evoked so much more emotion from the characters about the fact that Ratchett was the one who ran the death of the baby. The reason that a fictionalized version of an actual event is better than just reporting history is because the case would be boring if it was just narrative. Finally, I think Christie's resolution is WAY better than the parents finding a baby missing a chunk of skull {EEEEEEEWWWWWWW =( } and then commiting suicide.
ReplyDeleteIn a fiction version of a crime, you can exaggerate details to any extent. You can also make this crime how YOU like it (For example, the real Charles Lindbergh had body parts missing, a chunk out of his skull, a wound from a gun in his head, and he was decaying badly. Way too much gore for me!) Also, in Christie's version, you get a little taste of justice. It feels like, with all the similarities, that whoever killed Daisy Armstrong (Charles Lindbergh) got what he deserved.
ReplyDeleteI think that since the story is based of the Lindbergh case it makes the story much more interesting and more detailed then the actual case would be. The characters are much more interesting and have there one personality. So yes it does enhace the story. I think that the ending in the book is much better than the real ending
ReplyDeletePilar
I also agree with desi, Christies book is so much better than the real case, she can make up characters that are so unique and have there own personalities. I also agree with desi on the ending of the book, its way better!!
ReplyDeletethank you Mrs.Rigsby, I loved this book!!!!!
Pilar
Yes it does inhance the novel very much. It makes it seem more like it really happened. She makes the characters seem like they are real. She gives each one a different realistic personality. I defiantly think her version is way better. In the Armstrong case it was boring how it ended (excluding the decomposing baby).
ReplyDeleteJonas
I agree with Desi too, it is way better the way Christie wrote it. The ending is so exciting but, it is also confusing. You are saying, "Oh, my, gosh!!!" and, "What the heck?!?!" at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI loved the book!!!
Thanks Mrs.Rigsby,
Jonas
It tottaly enhances the expierience of reading the book and it adds some life to your everyday murder mystery. The Lindbergh case is way to gross to give all the details, though. I have to admit Agatha's fictious way is better than any real life crime. The Lindbergh case is just to gross to put in words.
ReplyDeleteLizzy
I agree with anyone who says the Lindbergh is gross because it is. In my opinion it is too disgusting to be put down on paper. As I said in my first blog , though, it completely enhances the book. All I can say to Mrs. Rigsby is THANKS SO MUCH. It was too good!!
ReplyDeleteLizzy