Book Summary
What is the name of the island where the characters are invited?
Soldier Island
What crime is Dr. Armstrong accused of in the gramophone recording?
Causing the death of a patient during surgery while intoxicated.
What is found in each person's room on the island?
The "Ten Little Soldiers" Rhyme
How is it suspected that Anthony Marston died?
A character says, "Watch and pray. The day of judgment is at hand" at the beginning of the book. What purpose does this serve?
It is foreshadowing the events on the islands and shows that the guests were invited to face some sort of justice.
What pretext are the guests given for their invitation to Soldier Island and who invites them?
They are invited by a Mr. or Mrs. U.N. Owen for various reasons, such as vacation, work, or to meet old friends.
What is the nature of Philip Lombard’s crime?
He is accused of leaving a group of native men to die in the wilderness for his own survival.
What is the significance of the figurines on the dining room table and what happens to them?
They represent the "Ten Little Soldiers" from the rhyme, and one figurine disappears with each death.
Why was Marston killed first on the island?
Though he feels no guilt and was probably being reckless, Marston accidentally killed the children with his car.
“The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. The Lord is known by the judgement which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hand. The wicked shall be turned into hell”. What does this bible verse that Emily Brent was reading imply about the plot and characters?
That each character is guilty of some horrendous crime and that they are here to face justice. They only have themselves to blame for their deaths.
In what way are the guests informed of their crimes during their first night on the island?
A gramophone recording accuses each of them of past murders.
What is Justice Wargrave known for and which character identifies him as such?
Being a hanging judge; Dr. Armstrong
Describe the geography of Soldier Island and its impact on the characters.
The island is isolated, with steep cliffs, and no easy way to leave, making the guests feel trapped.
What peculiar behavior does General Macarthur exhibit in these chapters, and what might it indicate?
He becomes withdrawn and fatalistic, almost welcoming death, which suggests that his guilt over sending his wife's lover to die has consumed him. It suggests that he may be the next to die.
How does the isolation of Soldier Island impact the characters’ psychological states, as seen in Chapters 1-8?
The isolation increases their paranoia and anxiety, as they realize there is no way off the island and they are trapped with a murderer among them.
How do the characters initially respond to the deaths of Marston and Rogers?
They respond with disbelief and denial, struggling to accept that the murders are actually happening. They believe it was coincidental, either accident or suicide.
Who does Vera consistently think of and what was their relationship?
Hugo; her lover
What foreshadowing device is used through setting details?
Stormy weather brewing
What foreshadowing occurs with Anthony Marston's death based on his earlier behavior?
Marston is carefree and unconcerned about the accusations against him, showing a lack of guilt. He is a heavy drinker.
Anthony is described “he looked, not a man, but a young God” How is this an example of irony?
Anthony is not immortal like a god; he is the first to die
What is revealed about Hugo?
That he would have money/inheritence if it were not for his nephew, Cyril
What is different about Justice Wargrave's invitation and what does this tell us about his personality?
He was invited by an old friend; the rest of the invitations/job offers are crafted by an "Owen". It implies that Wargrave is not easy to trick, unlike the rest.
How is the house described and what does the description show us about the characters?
The mansion is described as the essence of modernity, appearing unscary at first, but the presence of the guilty characters transforms it into a frightening place filled with tension and danger.
What is significant about the order of death?
The order of death is significant because it moves from the least to the most morally culpable characters, reflecting a sense of justice based on the severity of their crimes.
What do all of the characters have in common besides the fact that they are accused of a crime?
They have never faced true justice for the crimes they committed.