How Does Agatha Christie Create Suspense In Murder On The Orient Express Suspense

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Suspense is what keeps a reader going. It is a driving force that encourages the reader to continue turning the pages, and to restrain from putting the book down until the suspense is over. In the murder/mystery Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie keeps us guessing from the title to the last page. The author provides suspense from her portrayals of each character, along with misleading details that derail a reader trying to keep up, but also progressively encompass a reader. She gives initial descriptions of each person, employing stereotypes to dictate how each individual thinks and acts, and later slowly exposes each as complete opposites of their stereotypes, projecting suspicion upon each individual in the process. I Am Number …show more content…

As the clues begin to reveal themselves, one of the most suspenseful is detective Hardman’s description of the possible murderer as being a small, dark man, with a womanish voice. This description is a representation of a misleading detail, and one that persuades the reader to keep reading in hopes of a solution. In comparison, Number Four’s beginning in a new high school includes troubles with the school bully. A strong opinion against the bully is formed by Number Four, and the motive of avoiding the bully at all costs is developed. However, later in the story, the most surprising event comes when the bully joins forces with Number Four, protecting their school and their city in the fight against evil. The bully’s sudden change of character supports the notion that anything is possible, and that integrity is present in everyone’s character, even if it does not seem to appear initially. Contrasting this, the authors of I Am Number Four generally provide vivid, straightforward details, and when the reader’s assumed result of the situation is challenged, one is left stranded while attempting to draw conclusions of what may happen

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