Christie Talk
Christie Talk - Book Club - Poirot Stories
Poirot Stories
Poirot is Agatha Christie's most famous and popular detective. No doubt he would agree that he deserves that accolade!
Here is the place to discuss all of his stories in detail with other fans. The most insightful comments will be added to the Stories pages. But remember to beware spoilers!
If you can't find your favourite Poirot story here, don't worry - we'll be adding them all soon.
Warning: These discussions may contain spoilers!
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1 reply
Puffinjill on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:48 a.m. GMT
But is Elinor Carlisle really happily engaged to Roddy Welman? I can never see it that way. Yes, she is undoubtably in love with him but this isn't making her happy. She is aware that Roddy's feelings fall short of her own and therefore feels she must hide the true depth of her love from him in fear of frightening him away. Is this a good basis for a relationship? I hardly think so. If they had married, I feel Elinor would have lived her life unsatified and disappointed in Roddy for being unable to match her nature.
Her love for Roddy always reminds me of the love Jacqueline De Bellfort has for Simon Doyle. As Poirot says 'she loves too much', and he recognises that happiness does not come from such feelings. Jacqueline is vocal about the way she feels and shows her passionate nature, but Elinor, who is very reserved and fearful of losing the man who means her world to her, has no way of showing her true nature. Everything is internalised and builds to breaking point through the lack of any form of safety valve.
So, murder mystery, yes; but love story, I'm not so sure. It's more of a study in how love can be a negative force for some instead of something good. Elinor feels blighted by having this love rather than feeling her life has meaning. The long-lasting impression this book always leaves me with is one of sadness. Thank Heavens there may be a happy ending awaiting her after so much sorrow. And don't we all wish life could provide a happy ending too...
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Elinor Carlisle is happily engaged to Roddy Welman. Until, that is, Mary Gerrard enters their lives and Roddy is at once smitten with the girl. Elinor appears to give in graciously to their union but what is really simmering under the surface? When Mary is found dead after eating food prepared by Elinor it seems she must be guilty of murder - but Hercule Poirot isn't so sure....
Is this as much a love story as a murder mystery - a woman scorned perhaps? Should someone feel bad enough to plead guilty to a crime if all they've done is think about commiting a murder?