“Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

“Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie first appeared in 1939 as part of her novel And Then There Were None, originally titled Ten Little Ni***rs in the UK (later changed due to offensive racial terminology). This mystery novel is one of Christie’s most famous works and is known for its suspenseful, isolated setting and psychological tension. The story revolves around ten strangers lured to a remote island, where they are killed one by one, following a children’s nursery rhyme that ominously predicts their deaths. The main qualities of the story include its intricate plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and the exploration of themes like guilt, justice, and moral ambiguity. Christie masterfully builds tension by creating a scenario where everyone is both suspect and victim, leading to a chilling conclusion.

Text: “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

Annotations: “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

Line	Annotation
Ten Little Soldier Boys went out to Dine,	The story begins with a group of ten soldiers, likely on vacation or a mission together.
one choked his little self and then there were nine.	The first soldier, possibly the youngest or least experienced, accidentally chokes on their food, leading to their death.
Nine Little Soldier Boys stayed up very late;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps feeling unsettled by the first death or simply enjoying their time together, stay up late into the night.
One overslept himself and then there were eight.	The second soldier, possibly someone who had a habit of oversleeping or was feeling fatigued, misses breakfast and eventually dies of starvation or neglect.
Eight Little Soldier Boys travelling in Devon;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps seeking a change of scenery or a new mission, travel to the English county of Devon.
One said he’d stay there and then there were seven.	The third soldier, possibly homesick or feeling uneasy about the recent deaths, decides to remain in Devon instead of continuing with the group.
Seven Little Soldier Boys chopping up sticks;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps needing firewood for a campfire or shelter, begin chopping wood.
One chopped himself in halves and then there were six.	The fourth soldier, possibly clumsy or distracted, accidentally cuts themselves in half with the axe, resulting in a gruesome death.
Six Little Soldier Boys playing with a hive;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps curious or mischievous, decide to play with a beehive, despite the obvious dangers.
A bumblebee stung one and then there were five.	The fifth soldier, likely allergic to bee stings, is stung and dies of anaphylactic shock.
Five Little Soldier Boys going through a door;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps trying to escape a dangerous situation or simply exploring a new area, go through a door.
One stubbed his toe and then there were four.	The sixth soldier, possibly clumsy or in a hurry, trips over and stubs their toe, leading to a fatal infection or other injury.
Four Little Soldier Boys going out to sea;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps seeking adventure or a new challenge, decide to go out to sea in a small boat.
A red herring swallowed one and then there were three.	The seventh soldier, possibly distracted or careless, falls overboard and is eaten by a large fish, likely a red herring.
Three Little Soldier Boys walking in the zoo;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps seeking entertainment or education, visit a zoo.
A big bear hugged one and then there were two.	The eighth soldier, possibly too close to the bear enclosure, is attacked and killed by a bear.
Two Little Soldier Boys sitting in the sun;	The remaining soldiers, perhaps relaxing or enjoying the weather, sit in the sun.
One got frizzled up and then there was One.	The ninth soldier, possibly sunburned or dehydrated, dies from heatstroke or related complications.
One Little Soldier Boy left all alone;	The final soldier, now the only survivor, is alone and likely terrified.
He went and hanged himself and then there were none.	The final soldier, possibly overwhelmed by grief, despair, or guilt, takes their own life by hanging.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

Poetic Device	Example	Explanation
Anaphora	“One…and then there were”	Repetition of the phrase “and then there were” at the end of each stanza adds structure and predictability.
Assonance	“Soldier Boys”	The repetition of the vowel sound ‘o’ gives the phrase a musical quality.
Caesura	“A big bear hugged one, and then there were two.”	The pause in the middle of the line adds drama and impact to the action.
Consonance	“chopped himself in halves”	Repetition of the ‘h’ and ‘p’ sounds contributes to the harshness of the image.
Couplet	Each stanza is composed of two lines	The poem is structured in couplets, which make each event in the narrative concise and impactful.
Dark Humor	“One got frizzled up and then there was One.”	The grim and ironic tone of a child’s rhyme with morbid outcomes adds a layer of dark humor.
End Rhyme	“One got frizzled up and then there was One.”	The poem uses end rhyme to create a rhythmic and cohesive feel.
Enjambment	“Two Little Soldier Boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up…”	The sentence runs over into the next line, maintaining flow and suspense.
Euphemism	“One stubbed his toe and then there were four.”	The phrase suggests a trivial event, but the outcome is fatal, softening the grimness of the death.
Imagery	“A big bear hugged one”	The vivid image of a bear hugging a soldier creates a clear mental picture of the event.
Irony	“One overslept himself and then there were eight.”	It is ironic that something as simple as oversleeping leads to a fatal outcome.
Juxtaposition	The contrast between a child’s rhyme and death	The innocence of the rhyme contrasts with the violent and tragic events, creating a sense of unease.
Metaphor	“A red herring swallowed one”	“Red herring” is a metaphor for misleading information or distraction.
Meter	The poem generally follows a regular rhythmic pattern	The rhythmic structure makes the poem sound like a nursery rhyme, contributing to its deceptive innocence.
Onomatopoeia	“chopped”	The word mimics the sound of chopping, enhancing the vividness of the action.
Personification	“A red herring swallowed one”	The herring is given human-like qualities, creating a surreal and playful effect.
Repetition	“and then there were”	Repeated at the end of each stanza to emphasize the diminishing number of soldiers.
Rhyme Scheme	AABB	Each stanza follows the AABB rhyme scheme, providing a consistent and musical quality.
Symbolism	The “Soldier Boys”	The “Soldier Boys” symbolize the fragility of life and inevitability of death.

Themes: “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

1. Mortality and the Inevitability of Death: The poem serves as a stark reminder of the universal theme of mortality. From the opening line, “Ten Little Soldier Boys went out to Dine,” to the final line, “He went and hanged himself and then there were none,” the characters are systematically eliminated, highlighting the inevitability of death. Each stanza represents a step closer to the ultimate end, as one by one, the soldiers succumb to various accidents and circumstances. This relentless progression towards death creates a sense of foreboding and inevitability, forcing the reader to confront their own mortality.
2. Isolation and Loneliness: As the characters are reduced in number, the poem explores the themes of isolation and loneliness. The initial camaraderie and companionship among the ten soldiers gradually diminishes as each death leaves the survivors more isolated. This sense of isolation is particularly evident in the final stanza, where the last survivor is left completely alone, facing the terrifying prospect of being the only human in existence. The line “One Little Soldier Boy left all alone” encapsulates the profound loneliness and despair experienced by the final survivor, who ultimately succumbs to the overwhelming sense of isolation.
3. The Perils of Curiosity and Recklessness: The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of curiosity and recklessness. Many of the deaths in the poem are a result of the characters’ impulsive decisions and their willingness to take risks. For example, the soldiers’ decision to play with a beehive in the stanza “Six Little Soldier Boys playing with a hive” leads to the death of one of their companions. Similarly, the soldiers’ curiosity about the sea in the stanza “Four Little Soldier Boys going out to sea” ultimately results in the loss of another soldier. These examples highlight the perils of unchecked curiosity and the importance of caution and prudence in the face of potential dangers.
4. The Fragility of Life: The poem showcases the fragility of human life, demonstrating how easily life can be taken away by seemingly insignificant accidents or circumstances. The characters are killed by a variety of causes, ranging from choking and oversleeping to bee stings and bear attacks. This constant reminder of the fragility of life serves as a powerful message, urging the reader to appreciate the value of each moment and to live life to the fullest. The line “A bumblebee stung one and then there were five” is a particularly poignant example of how a seemingly insignificant event can have devastating consequences.

Literary Theories and “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

Literary Theory	Application	References
Structuralism	This theory focuses on the underlying structures and patterns within a text. In “Ten Little Soldiers,” the repetitive structure of the poem, with each stanza following a similar pattern, emphasizes the cyclical nature of death and the inevitability of the characters’ demise. The nursery rhyme-like format also contributes to the sense of inevitability and the feeling that the characters are trapped in a predetermined narrative.	“Ten Little Soldier Boys went out to Dine,” “Nine Little Soldier Boys stayed up very late,” “Eight Little Soldier Boys travelling in Devon,” etc.
Psychoanalysis	This theory explores the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior and the text. In “Ten Little Soldiers,” the deaths of the characters could be interpreted as a manifestation of repressed desires or anxieties. For example, the death of the soldier who chokes on their food might represent a fear of suffocation or a repressed desire for death. Additionally, the repetitive nature of the poem could be seen as a reflection of a collective unconscious fear of death.	“one choked his little self and then there were nine,” “One overslept himself and then there were eight,” “One chopped himself in halves and then there were six,” etc.
Reader-Response Theory	This theory emphasizes the reader’s active role in interpreting the text. In “Ten Little Soldiers,” readers can bring their own experiences, interpretations, and emotions to the poem. For example, some readers might interpret the deaths as a commentary on the dangers of war or the fragility of life, while others might focus on the psychological motivations of the characters. The poem’s open-ended nature allows for a variety of interpretations, making it a rich and engaging reading experience.	The poem’s ambiguous nature and lack of explicit explanations for the characters’ deaths allow for a variety of interpretations. Readers can connect the poem to their own experiences and draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the story.

Critical Questions about “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

1. What is the significance of the nursery rhyme format in the poem? The nursery rhyme format of “Ten Little Soldiers” serves multiple purposes. It creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, while also hinting at the dark and tragic events to come. The repetitive structure of the poem emphasizes the cyclical nature of death and the inevitability of the characters’ demise. Additionally, the nursery rhyme format may suggest a childlike perspective on death, as if the characters are mere toys being eliminated one by one.
2. How does the poem explore the themes of isolation and loneliness? As the characters are systematically eliminated, the poem explores the themes of isolation and loneliness. The initial camaraderie and companionship among the ten soldiers gradually diminishes, leaving the survivors increasingly alone and isolated. This sense of isolation is particularly evident in the final stanza, where the last survivor is left completely alone, facing the terrifying prospect of being the only human in existence. The line “One Little Soldier Boy left all alone” encapsulates the profound loneliness and despair experienced by the final survivor, who ultimately succumbs to the overwhelming sense of isolation.
3. What is the role of chance and coincidence in the characters’ deaths? While the poem presents the characters’ deaths as a series of unfortunate accidents, it also raises questions about the role of chance and coincidence. Many of the deaths appear to be the result of random events or unforeseen circumstances, suggesting that fate or destiny may play a significant role in the characters’ lives. For example, the death of the soldier who is eaten by a red herring seems to be a purely random event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the power of chance.
4. How does the poem explore the psychological motivations of the characters? While the poem does not explicitly reveal the psychological motivations of the characters, it can be argued that their deaths are a reflection of their own fears, anxieties, or repressed desires. For example, the death of the soldier who chokes on their food might represent a fear of suffocation or a repressed desire for death. Additionally, the repetitive nature of the poem could be seen as a reflection of a collective unconscious fear of death. By analyzing the characters’ actions and the circumstances surrounding their deaths, readers can speculate about their underlying psychological motivations and explore the deeper meanings of the poem.

Literary Works Similar to “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

1. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: Both poems feature a mysterious and ominous atmosphere, with a sense of impending doom and loss.
2. “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Tennyson: Both poems involve a character who is isolated from the world and ultimately meets a tragic end.
3. “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes: Both poems use a narrative structure to tell a suspenseful and tragic story.
4. “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Both poems explore themes of guilt, punishment, and redemption, with a focus on the supernatural.
5. “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” by Oscar Wilde: Both poems deal with themes of imprisonment, death, and the justice system, with a focus on the human condition.

Representative Quotations of “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Ten Little Soldier Boys went out to Dine,”	The beginning of the poem introduces the ten soldiers who will be gradually eliminated.	Structuralism: The repetitive structure foreshadows the cyclical nature of death.
“one choked his little self and then there were nine.”	The first death occurs, setting the tone for the tragic events to follow.	Psychoanalysis: The death might represent a fear of suffocation or a repressed desire for death.
“Nine Little Soldier Boys stayed up very late;”	The surviving soldiers’ behavior suggests a sense of unease or a desire to avoid sleep.	Psychoanalysis: The late nights could be seen as a way to avoid confronting their fears or the inevitability of death.
“One overslept himself and then there were eight.”	The second death occurs, highlighting the randomness and unpredictability of fate.	Reader-Response Theory: Readers might interpret this as a commentary on the fragility of life.
“Seven Little Soldier Boys chopping up sticks;”	The surviving soldiers engage in a mundane task, suggesting a sense of normalcy amidst the tragedy.	Structuralism: The repetitive nature of the tasks reinforces the cyclical nature of the poem.
“One chopped himself in halves and then there were six.”	Another gruesome death occurs, emphasizing the brutality of the events.	Reader-Response Theory: Readers might be disturbed by the graphic nature of the death, highlighting the emotional impact of the poem.
“Five Little Soldier Boys going through a door;”	The surviving soldiers continue their journey, despite the constant loss of their companions.	Psychoanalysis: The characters’ persistence might be seen as a denial of their own mortality.
“One stubbed his toe and then there were four.”	Another seemingly insignificant accident leads to a fatal outcome.	Reader-Response Theory: The poem challenges the notion that death is always a result of grand or dramatic events.
“Two Little Soldier Boys sitting in the sun;”	The remaining soldiers enjoy a peaceful moment before the final tragedy.	Psychoanalysis: The peaceful moment might represent a brief respite from the constant fear and anxiety.
“He went and hanged himself and then there were none.”	The final death occurs, leaving the reader with a sense of profound loss and emptiness.	Reader-Response Theory: The poem’s ending is open to interpretation, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the story.

Suggested Readings: “Ten Little Soldiers” by Agatha Christie

1. Pugh, Tison. “Understanding Agatha Christie: The Seven Paradoxes of Her Appeal.” Understanding Agatha Christie, University of South Carolina Press, 2023, pp. 1–7. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.6773401.5. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
2. Warren, Craig A. “Gender and Moral Immaturity in Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None.’” CEA Critic, vol. 73, no. 1, 2010, pp. 51–63. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44378433. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
3. Macbeth, George. “The Agatha Christie Poem.” Ambit, no. 102, 1985, pp. 31–39. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44339847. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
4. Athanason, Arthur Nicholas. World Literature Today, vol. 53, no. 1, 1979, pp. 119–119. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40132567. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.