| aimia_m_essaywrite_request | Write an essay |
| What topic | Symbolic language in murder on the orient express |
| Which subject | English as second |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| How many pages | 1 |
| Add references | |
| Any other preferences |
Agatha Christie's novel, Murder on the Orient Express, is a classic mystery with a complex plot involving a murder on a luxurious train. However, the novel is not just a story of a murder investigation but is also a display of symbolic language. Christie has used a vast array of symbolism throughout the novel to convey deeper meanings and foreshadow events. Symbolism is an effective way of building intrigue and complexity in a narrative. In the case of Murder on the Orient Express, the author has used symbolic language to create a sense of confusion and ambiguity that the reader experiences throughout the novel.
The Orient Express, the luxurious train that is the principal setting of the novel, is infused with deep symbolic significance. The train, with its refined and elegant décor, embodies an aristocratic culture and way of living. The train's luxuriousness, however, is misleading because beneath it, there is disorder, chaos, and a cruel reality. Christie has used the train to depict that appearances and façades can be deceiving.
The murder in the novel is not just a plot device but also a symbol of justice. By killing Ratchett, the murderer is symbolically killing the evil in society. Furthermore, the murder is also symbolic of revenge because the victim is one of the people responsible for the murder of the Armstrong family. Thus, the murder is also a form of retribution.
The Countess Andrenyi's valuable jewels symbolize the guilt that the characters carry. The characters are aware of their wrongdoings and the crimes they have committed. The jewels represent their desire to hide their offences and conceal their guilt. When the Countess gives away her jewels, she is symbolically shedding her guilt and freeing herself from her past mistakes.
The train schedule symbolizes the predetermined course of action that the characters are living through. Just as the train follows the schedule, the characters are trapped in a predetermined destiny, from which they cannot escape. The schedule also symbolizes the inevitability of destiny, which is something beyond human control.
Through her use of symbolic language, Agatha Christie has created a complex web of connections and meanings in her novel, Murder on the Orient Express. The various symbols used throughout the novel provide deeper insights into the characters' motives and the events of the story. Symbolism adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making the novel more engaging and intriguing. Christie has successfully used symbolism to create an atmosphere of mystery and ambiguity that keeps the reader engaged in the story till the end.