And Then There Were None Cover Image

And Then There Were None

by Agatha Christie

Start Free Trial

Student Question

What was the accusation against Mr. Justice Wargrave?

Quick answer:

In the novel, a murder is committed on board a ship by poisoning. The murderer is the man who has been treated as his servant, but who is actually his son. The son killed the woman for her money. Her husband died of pneumonia after going overboard.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Justice Wargrave is one of the eight people invited to an island near Devon, England. Wargrave is a retired judge.

The voice on the recording played for the guests accuses each of them of murder. It names Wargrave in a crime during a specific trial, when he sentenced Edward Seton, who was probably innocent of murder, to death.

All of the accused guests insist on their innocence. Wargrave says he has a clear conscience and that Seton's sentence was correct because he had been convicted. Another of the accused guests, Dr. Armstrong, challenges this. He says that there was talk of the judge's prejudice against Seton, which might have led him to influence the jury toward finding the man guilty.

As the guests die off one by one, in manners resembling the ways their alleged victims died, Wargrave continues to insist on his proper conduct.

More complications ensue as the deaths mount up, but Christie finally provides the mystery's solution.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial