Mousetrap by Agatha Christie - Essay Example

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie The Mousetrap is written by Agatha Christie. It is a very famous play which has been running successfully in the theatres for over half a century, thus earning the title of being the longest running play ever. The setting is in the Monkswell Manor – the guesthouse owned by a couple: the Ralstons. A lady has been murdered in London and that is the main topic of discussion amongst the temporary residents of the house. A snowstorm has started so the men and women are stuck together in one place.

They are all wary of one other, thinking one of the occupants of the house to be the notorious murderer. When the culprit is caught, everyone is shocked and relieved. The play comes to an end with the Ralstons exchanging anniversary gifts.There are eight inhabitants of Monkswell Manor. There are Mollie and Giles Ralston who are the hosts. Christopher Wren is the most suspicious one since he behaves in a peculiar manner. Mrs Boyle is an old woman who is never pleased by anything and only talks to complain about something or the other.

Her presence is not appreciated by anybody and she is later killed in the hotel. Mr Paravicini is a foreigner. Major Metcalf has retired from army and later we find out is a policeman in disguise. Miss Casewell is an odd woman who seems to have had a difficult childhood. She turns out to be the sister of the escaped murderer. The last guest is Detective Sergeant Trotter who is not actually a man of law but one defying it. He is, in fact, the killer and Miss Casewell’s brother.Later in the play we find out that Trottor - also called Georgie - is the man behind the murders.

His awful childhood led him to first killing Mrs Lyon who did not take care of him or his siblings, resulting in the death of one of them. Then he strangles Mrs Boyle since she sent them under Mrs Lyon’s responsibility. He tries to kill Mrs Mollie Ralston whose help he had asked for but not received. He is not successful in his attempt but it is clear that despite the time passed, Georgie still carried the grudge with him. It affected him mentally till he took matters in his own hands to take revenge, planning deaths of the people who he thought did him wrong.

Agatha Christie has a great way with words but speaking them out loud makes quite a difference too. Mrs Boyle always gives off the air of a woman unimpressed with the world. Mollie has these naive comments to say. Miss Casewell slips up at times, giving off the look of someone always occupied with something else. All the characters have a certain way of speaking which show off their personalities. Even though the play has been performed for over five decades, the accent is still the same as of the people in the 1950s and this brings reality in the play.

The lilt of their voices allows the listener to imagine exactly how things would have been if the events that were being performed on the stage were actually happening.The Manor is decorated in the 1950’s style as that is time period the play is based on. The walls being dark red, the large fire place is nicely situated and the wonderful antiques do wonders to create a perfect atmosphere for a murder setting. The couches, the cupboards crammed of junk; all these pieces actually work very nicely.

Agatha Christie’s works are famous, but The Mousetrap is the most wanted of all and for good reasons too.Works CitedThe St Martins Theatre. 7 November 2011 .