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Imagery
Definition of Irony
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how... read full definition
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Triumphal Progress:
In Chapter 1, Christie uses allusion in her description of the young and reckless Anthony Marston. As Marston drives towards Soldier Island, the narrator remarks:
Oh, well, he supposed there’d be a few girls there…. Coming out of the hotel, he stretched himself, yawned, looked up at the blue sky and climbed into the Dalmain. Several young women looked at him admiringly—his six feet of well-proportioned body, his crisp hair, tanned face, and intensely blue eyes. He let in the clutch with a roar and leapt up the narrow street. Old men and errand boys jumped for safety. The latter looked after the car admiringly. Anthony Marston proceeded on his triumphal progress.
Despite his good looks that attract attention from others, Marston has a weak sense of morality and drives dangerously despite having previously hit and killed two children while driving in a similar manner. Christie describes his drive to the island as a “triumphal progress,” alluding to the Ancient Roman practice by which military generals who had been successful in battle would lead a parade through the streets of Rome. Here, Christie’s allusion is somewhat ironic. The arrogant and handsome Marston has made no great accomplishments, but is nevertheless as confident as someone who has won a war.
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Like a Detective Story:
Anthony Marston uses a simile that ironically compares the situation on Soldier Island to a “detective story” due to the mysterious absence of their host, Mr. Owen, and a gramophone recording that accuses the guests of a series of murders. The narrator describes the comments of Justice Wargrave, who proposes that they all leave the island as soon as possible, and Marston, who is, in contrast, excited by the surprising turn of events:
“Then in my opinion it would be well if we all left tomorrow morning as soon as Narracott’s boat arrives.”
There was a chorus of agreement with only one dissentient voice. It was Anthony Marston who disagreed with the majority.
“A bit unsporting, what?” he said. “Ought to ferret out the mystery before we go. Whole thing’s like a detective story. Positively thrilling.”
The judge said acidly: “At my time of life, I have no desire for ‘thrills’ as you call them.”
Anthony said with a grin: “The legal life’s narrowing! I’m all for crime! Here’s to it.”
Though Wargrave feels that it might be dangerous to stay on the island, Marston feels that it would be “unsporting” to leave before they have solved the “mystery” posed by their unknown host. In a simile, he describes their enigmatic and sensational circumstances as being “like a detective story,” which he finds “positively thrilling.” There is a pointed sense of irony in his use of this simile, as And Then There Were None is in fact an example of mystery or “detective” fiction. Marston's comment, then, is surprisingly astute.
