Introduction
Agatha Christie’s *And Then There Were None* (1939) is a seminal work of crime fiction, renowned for its intricate plot and psychological depth. This essay focuses on the events following Section V of Chapter 9 (page 141 in many editions), where the poem reveals that General Macarthur was “chopped in halves” metaphorically through his murder. With six remaining characters—Vera Claythorne, Philip Lombard, Dr. Armstrong, William Blore, Emily Brent, and Mr. Justice Wargrave—the task is to deduce the likely murderer among them. This analysis proposes that Mr. Justice Wargrave is the most probable culprit, supported by specific textual evidence. Additionally, a counterclaim will be addressed and refuted to strengthen the argument. By examining character motives and behaviours, this essay aims to provide a reasoned perspective on the killer’s identity, mindful of the novel’s suspenseful ambiguity.
Evidence Supporting Mr. Justice Wargrave as the Murderer
One compelling reason to suspect Mr. Justice Wargrave is his background as a retired judge, which equips him with a profound understanding of justice, law, and arguably, the psychology of guilt. Wargrave’s judicial career, as revealed early in the novel, involved presiding over criminal trials, giving him insight into orchestrating elaborate schemes without detection (Christie, 1939). This expertise could enable him to plan the murders methodically, aligning with the nursery rhyme’s structure as a perverse form of justice. Indeed, his obsession with punishing the guilty—evident in his private reflections on past cases—suggests a motive to act as both judge and executioner on the island.
Furthermore, Wargrave’s calm demeanour throughout the escalating chaos stands out as suspicious. While other characters exhibit visible fear or agitation, Wargrave remains composed, often taking a leadership role in discussions (Christie, 1939). This unflappability could indicate that he is not merely a passive victim but someone in control of the situation. Typically, genuine fear manifests in erratic behaviour, as seen in Vera’s paranoia or Blore’s defensiveness, making Wargrave’s serenity a potential clue to his complicity. Therefore, these traits—his legal acumen and unusual calm—point to Wargrave as the orchestrator of the murders.
Counterclaim and Refutation
However, a counterclaim might suggest that Philip Lombard, with his admitted history of violence and mercenary attitude, is a more likely suspect. Lombard openly confesses to leaving men to die for personal gain, displaying a clear lack of moral restraint (Christie, 1939). Some might argue that his physical capability and ruthless nature make him the obvious choice for a killer. Yet, this perspective overlooks a critical aspect: Lombard’s actions are driven by survival instinct rather than calculated malice. His transparency about past misdeeds contrasts with the secretive, meticulous planning required for the island murders. Wargrave, conversely, possesses the intellectual capacity and hidden motive to execute such a complex scheme. Thus, while Lombard’s violent past is notable, it lacks the sophistication demonstrated by the killings, reinforcing Wargrave as the more plausible culprit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr. Justice Wargrave emerges as the most likely murderer among the remaining six characters in *And Then There Were None*. His judicial background provides the strategic prowess to orchestrate the killings, while his composed behaviour amidst chaos suggests control rather than fear. Although a counterclaim highlighting Philip Lombard’s violent tendencies presents a valid alternative, it fails to account for the calculated nature of the murders, which aligns more closely with Wargrave’s profile. This analysis, while speculative due to the novel’s deliberate ambiguity, underscores the complexity of Christie’s characters and invites further exploration into themes of justice and guilt. Ultimately, Wargrave’s portrayal as a cold, calculating figure offers a compelling case for his guilt, reflecting Christie’s mastery in crafting psychological intrigue within detective fiction.
References
- Christie, A. (1939) *And Then There Were None*. Collins Crime Club.
