1. “Wasps’ Nest”

2. “Wasps’ Nest”
Imagine you are the chief of police and you need a good detective to investigate a murder. What kind of person would you want for the job? Can you think of any detectives you have encountered in stories, movies, or television shows? What qualities do these detectives possess?
Create a cluster diagram in which you explore what draws people to mystery stories.

3. Characteristics of the Detective
“Wasps’ Nest”
Detectives
Characteristics of the Detective

4. “Wasps’ Nest”

5. “Wasps’ Nest” Plot Sequence
Hercule Poirot goes to visit his friend John Harrison, saying he wants to prevent a murder. …

6. “Wasps’ Nest” Plot Sequence
Hercule Poirot goes to visit his friend John Harrison, saying he wants to prevent a murder.
Poirot questions Harrison about Claude Langton and implies that Langton may be intending to kill Harrison.
Poirot explains that he saw Langton’s signature beside an entry for a cyanide of potassium purchase.

7. “Wasps’ Nest” Plot Sequence
Poirot returns later and runs into Langton as he is leaving Harrison’s garden. …

8. “Wasps’ Nest” Plot Sequence
Poirot returns later and runs into Langton as he is leaving Harrison’s garden.
Harrison is surprised when Poirot asks him how he is feeling, until Poirot explains he switched the cyanide in Harrison’s pocket with washing soda.
Poirot also reveals that Harrison is dying of an incurable disease and is angry that Langton has won back his fiancee.

9. “Wasps’ Nest” Plot Sequence
Poirot reveals Harrison’s suicide/framing for murder plot. …

10. “Wasps’ Nest” Plot Sequence
Poirot reveals Harrison’s suicide/framing for murder plot.
Harrison is upset that Poirot has ruined his plan.
Poirot tells Harrison that he is not a murderer.
Harrison is thankful that Poirot saved him from is baser self.

11. “Wasp’s Nest” Questions
What warning does Hercule Poirot give John Harrison at the beginning of the story?
What murder plot does Poirot eventually prevent?
How does Poirot prevent this murder?

12. “Wasp’s Nest” Questions
Knowing what you know now, how seriously do you think Harrison takes Poirot’s warning about Claude Langton?
Why does Poirot explain learning to pick pockets? Why does Poirot fake excitement when he tries to convince Harrison that Langton is capable of murder?

13. “Wasp’s Nest” Questions
How does Poirot use trickery in this story? At what point in the story, in your opinion, does Poirot know the complete plot?
Return to your cluster diagram in which you identified the qualities of the detective. Does Poirot possess these qualities? Explain.