1. Theme #3 Modernization and Technology

2. Time Period: Know as the time between the wars. 1.In what ways do the characters rely on modern technology? 2.By what method is Poirot suddenly called back to London? 3.When does Poirot use thenological (not psychological) methods to his advantage? 4.If the Orient Express hadn’t been cut off from the modern world because of the snowdrift, how would that have impacted Poirot’s investigation?

3. Modernization and Technology (cont.) 5. How do Poirot’s investigative methods differ from those of today’s fictional detectives? 6.How and when is the scientific method used in Poirot’s detective work? 7.Has human nature changed as we move into a more technologically advanced world? defend your answer.

4. How does the setting reinforce the theme? It was five o'clock on a winter's morning in Syria. Alongside the platform at Aleppo stood the train grandly designated in railway guides as the Taurus Express. It consisted of a kitchen and dining car, a sleeping car and two local coaches. (1.1.3)

5. How does the presence of a schedule signify technology? "The train is due in at 6:55 and one has to cross the Bosporus and catch the Simplon Orient Express the other side at nine o'clock. If there is an hour or two of delay we shall miss the connection." (1.1.14)

6. What is a telegram similar to in today’s technology? There were three waiting for him and a telegram. His eyebrows rose a little at the sight of the telegram. It was unexpected. (1.2.16)

7. How is this a description of a modern world? "All around us are people, of all classes, of all nationalities, of all ages. For three days these people, these strangers to one another are brought together. They sleep and eat under one roof, they cannot get away from each other. At the end of three days they part, they go their several ways, never, perhaps, to see each other again." (1.3.7)

8. How is Poirot indicating his willingness to use technology as well as logic to solve this problem? "See you, my dear doctor, me, I am not one to rely upon the expert procedure. It is the psychology I seek, not the fingerprint or the cigarette ash. But in this case I would welcome a little scientific assistance. This compartment is full of clues, but can I be sure that those clues are really what they seem to be?" (1.7.77-78)

9. How does this description support a vision of a modern world? "I thought there were no detectives on the train when it passed through Yugo-Slavia – not until one got to Italy." "I am not a Yugo-Slavian detective, Madame. I am an international detective." "You belong to the League of Nations?" "I belong to the world, Madame," said Poirot dramatically. (2.7.147)

10. How does the use of scientific method support the image of a technologically advanced world? "I see, nebulously as yet, a certain explanation that would cover the facts as we know them. It is a very curious explanation, and I cannot be sure as yet that it is the true one. To find out definitely, I shall have to make certain experiments." (3.3.)