Independent Reading- MP 1

Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie
Pages/Chapters Due...
9.30:Part 1
10.18:Part 2
10.28 (project due today as well):Part 3

- Setting(s)

The story has taken place on two trains so far. Both of them located in Istanbul. The train where most of the story has taken place was on the Orient Express. It is the 1920's.
- Plot/Topic (the basic plot so far, or the topic your book is about)

Poirot is a detective who is riding the Orient Express. While waiting for the train in the hotel, he meets several English couples. One of which, Ratchet, knows of Poirot's detective work and would like for Poirot to protect him while on the train because he thinks someone is after him. He offers 20,000 dollars but Poirot denies him. While he is on the train, he hears noises which causes him to stay awake though out the night. While awake he feels the train stop and he walks outside of his room. The conductor tell Poirot that Ratchet is dead with 10-15 stab wounds and asks Poirot if he will accept the case. He does and begins searching the room for clues and interviewing his "friends".

- Characters/People (any main characters/people you have met so far and what they are like--you could include direct/indirect characterization if you'd like)

Poirot-A detective and the protagonist of the story.
Ratchet-the man who is murdered.
Mr. and Mrs. McQueen- A couple who met Samuel Ratchet and was interviewed by Poirot after the Murder.

- Theme/Message/Main Point (what you think the message this books is trying to convey may be)

So far, Agatha Christie has made the point that social classes are very rigid and important. In the story Poirot is denied first class seating on the express because it was crowded which was a very big deal.

- Anything else that you feel is important to share about the IR book

There are a lot of small characters that may end up playing a larger role. For now, there is not enough information about them to tell if they are important.