The Mousetrap Questions and Answers
The Mousetrap
Identifying the Murderer in The Mousetrap
The murderer in The Mousetrap is revealed to be Detective Sergeant Trotter, who is actually an alias for Georgie Corrigan. Georgie seeks revenge for the death of his younger brother, who died due to...
The Mousetrap
Summarize the events of Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2, in The Mousetrap.
In Act 1, Scene 1, of The Mousetrap, news of a London murder coincides with Mollie and Giles Ralston preparing to host guests at Monkswell Manor, which becomes snowbound. An unexpected guest, Mr....
The Mousetrap
What are the red herrings in Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap?
The red herrings in Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap include Mrs. Boyle's suspicion of Christopher Wren, the unexpected arrival of Mr. Paravicini, and Detective Sergeant Trotter's dramatic entrance....
The Mousetrap
Describe Mrs. Boyle in The Mousetrap.
In Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, Mrs. Boyle is a pompous, middle-aged woman who constantly complains and looks down on others. A former magistrate, she sent children to an abusive foster home,...
The Mousetrap
In The Mousetrap, why does Sergeant Trotter kill and attempt to kill certain characters?
In The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Georgie Corrigan disguises himself as Sergeant Trotter to complete his revenge. He has already killed the foster mother who abused him and his siblings (causing...
The Mousetrap
Who is Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap, and what are examples of his dialogue and body language?
Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap is a middle-aged, military-like man who is polite, accommodating, and investigative. He is amiable, respectful, and often uses chores to discreetly investigate others....
The Mousetrap
Contrast the use of red herrings in Christie's The Mousetrap and Murder on the Orient Express.
In Christie's works, Murder on the Orient Express uses red herrings as literal and objective false clues, such as altered timelines and mutual alibis, to mislead readers. Conversely, The Mousetrap...
The Mousetrap
What special effects were used in the play The Mousetrap?
In "The Mousetrap," special effects include props and sounds typical of a post-war guest house setting, such as furniture, a radio, and a fireplace. Key sound effects are the radio broadcast linked...
The Mousetrap
What is the significance of the title "The Mousetrap"?
The title "The Mousetrap" is significant as it draws inspiration from Shakespeare's Hamlet, where "The Mousetrap" is a play within the play used to catch a murderer. Similarly, in Agatha Christie's...
The Mousetrap
What are the characters' age ranges in Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap?
The characters' ages in Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap range from their early twenties to late middle age. Key characters include Mollie and Giles Ralston in their late twenties, Mrs. Boyle as...
The Mousetrap
What was Christopher Wren hiding behind in The Mousetrap?
In The Mousetrap, Christopher Wren, hides behind a curtain in the Great Hall of Monkwell Manor for no apparent reason, where he eavesdrops on a conversation between Mollie Ralston, the owner of the...
The Mousetrap
Is The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie appropriate for teaching 13- to 14-year-olds?
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie might be challenging for 13- to 14-year-olds, particularly ESL students, due to its idiomatic language and cultural references. Instead, consider alternatives like...
The Mousetrap
When do Gilles and Mollie meet in The Mousetrap?
Giles and Mollie Ralston met at a dance in London about a year and three weeks before the opening of the play. They have been married a year, and they met three weeks before their wedding.
The Mousetrap
Why was Major Metcalf in the cellar when Mrs. Ralston screamed?
Major Metcalf was in the cellar when Mrs. Ralston screamed because he claimed to be exploring the house's architecture. However, his explanation was not convincing, and he appeared evasive and...
The Mousetrap
Why is the play The Mousetrap so popular?
The enduring popularity of "The Mousetrap" stems from several factors. Agatha Christie's fame and the play's iconic twist ending attract audiences eager to solve the mystery. Its status as the...
The Mousetrap
How does the radio statement about "ice-bound roads" reflect the weather on Monkswell Manor's opening day?
The "ice-bound roads" mentioned on the radio reflect the severe winter weather on the opening day of Monkswell Manor, characterized by a dangerous snowstorm and icy conditions. This setting not only...