AND
Then There Were None
BY AGATHA CHRISTIE
Ten little soldier boys went out to dine. . .
Use this Survival Guide to help you survive your stay on Soldier
Island.
Mystery. Deceit. Betrayal. Murder.
Will you survive the storm of work and emerge alive and
triumphant?
Name:
Common Core Standards Covered in this Survival
Guide:
RL.1
Cite textual details to support analysis of what
the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn
from the text.
RL.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how
it is conveyed
through particular details.
RL.3
Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or
incidents in a story
propel the action and reveal
aspects of character.
RL.4
Determine the meanings of new words as they are
used in a text,
including figurative and
connotative meanings.
RL.5
Analyze how a particular scene fits into the overall
structure of a
text.
RL.7
Analyze the extent to which a filmed or live
production of a story
stays faithful to or departs from
the text, evaluating the choices
made by actors
or directors.
W.1
Write arguments to support claims with clear
reasons and relevant
evidence.
W.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine
a topic and convey
ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization,
and analysis of relevant content.
W8.7
Conduct short research projects to answer a question.
W.10
Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter
time
frames.
SL.1
Engage in a range of collaborative discussions.
Vocabulary
Chapter 1:
luxurious, inquest, gravely, illegibly, vague, ruminated
Chapter 2: surreptitious, disparagingly, apparition, malevolently, monotonous, queer
Chapter 3: caustic, unobtrusively, verisimilitude
Chapter 4: servitude, covertly, contorted
Chapter 5: predatory, capricious, indignation, rancor
Chapter 6: meager, desultory, obliquely, frenzy
Chapter 7: acquiesced, condone, forte
Chapter 8: oblivion, marooned, aversion, incredulously
Chapter 9: hue, perjury, succinctly, exonerated
Chapter 10:
gusts, plight, sanity
Chapter 11:
abated, hysteria, congealed, impious
Chapter 12:
domestic, inquiringly, demeanor, acquitted
Chapter 13:
reverting, abnormal, quivered, sobered
Chapter 14:
farce, sagacity, prowling, stealthy
Chapter 15:
stolidly, obstinately, innocuous, raucous
Chapter 16:
conjuring, solicitude, exquisite
Epilogue: provisioned, vindictive
Manuscript:
contradictions, sadistic, scrupulous
Chapter 1
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
luxurious
inquest
gravely
illegibly
vague
ruminated
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.How are the passengers traveling?
2.What point of view is the novel written from? Why would the author choose to
narrate the novel this way?
3.Based on the characters introduced so far, do you find yourself liking or disliking
any? If so, who and why?
4.Who invites the characters to Soldier Island?
Examples
Say (Quote) of foreshadowing:
Mean (How does the quote
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
1
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 2
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
surreptitious
m
a
l
disparagingly
e
v
apparition
o
l
e
queer
n
monotonous
t
l
y
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.How much do the guests of Soldier Island seem to know about the person or
persons who invited them to stay?
2.How do the other characters in the novel react to their first glimpse of Anthony
Marston?
3.Who is Fred Narracott, and what observations does he make about the guests?
4.Describe the house on Soldier Island?
5.What is the connection between Soldier Island and the poem that’s displayed in
Vera Claythorne’s bedroom?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
Examples of foreshadowing:
And Then There Were None
2
Chapter 3
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
caustic
unobtrusively
verisimilitude
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.What is the significance of the ten soldier figurines displayed on the dining room
table?
2.What do Vera Claythorne and Emily Brent discuss in the drawing room after dinner?
What does each woman discover about the other?
3.What does the gramophone announcement suggest? Who is responsible for playing
the gramophone announcement?
4.Philip Lombard points out that the gramophone record is titled “Swan Song.” What is
a “swan song”? Why do you think the record is titled this?
5.What important discovery is made about the name of the person who invited each
guest to the island (what do the initials represent)?
6.Which guests are portrayed as dishonest in this chapter?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
Examples of foreshadowing:
And Then There Were None
3
Chapter 4
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
servitude
covertly
contorted
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.What information do you find out about each character’s connection to a past death
in this chapter?
2.Which characters take full responsibility for the deaths they’ve been accused of
being responsible for? Which of these characters seem remorseful about the parts
they played in the deaths?
3.The judge suggests that all of the guests should leave the island immediately? What
is the problem with this course of action?
4.Who dies at the end of the chapter, and how does he die?
5.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
Examples of foreshadowing:
And Then There Were None
4
Chapter 5
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
predatory
capricious
rancor
indignation
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Why does Dr. Armstrong examine Marston’s drink? What does he discover? What
do the guests conclude about Marston’s death?
2.Why is the house’s lack of atmosphere so frightening?
3.Why did the Biblical story of David putting Uriah in the forefront of battle make
Macarthur uncomfortable?
4.After reading the passages about Wargrave, Macarthur, and Claythorne, how has
your perception of them altered?
5.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Examples
Say (Quote) of foreshadowing:
Mean (How does the quote
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
5
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 6
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
meager
desultory
frenzy
obliquely
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.When Mrs. Rogers dies mysteriously in the night, what is the possible cause of her
death according to Dr. Armstrong? Emily Brent? Blore?
2.What are the guests waiting for? What complications arise that effect their wait?
3.What does General Macarthur say about the guests’ stay on the island?
4.At the end of the chapter, what does Rogers reveal about the dining room?
5.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Examples of foreshadowing:
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
6
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 7
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
acquiesced
condone
forte
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.What does Emily Brent reveal about the accusations about her made by The Voice
on the gramophone? What is her opinion on the accusations made about the other
guests?
2.In talking with Armstrong, Lombard says, “I mean—it explains Soldier Island. . .”
What is explained about the island in this exchange?
3.Armstrong and Lombard feel the deaths on the island are connected. What is
Armstrong’s theory on how these deaths occurred?
4.What do Armstrong and Lombard decide to do in light of the events that have taken
place?
5.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
Examples of foreshadowing:
And Then There Were None
7
Chapter 8
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
oblivion
marooned
incredulously
aversion
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Blore suggest that Mr. Owen has decided to “do the job by proxy.” What does “by
proxy” mean? What is Blore suggesting?
2.What do Blore and Armstrong discover Lombard has brought with him to the island?
What is Lombard’s explanation for bringing this item?
3.In searching the island, what exactly are Blore, Armstrong, and Lombard looking for?
What are the results and conclusions from this search?
4.Describe General Macarthur’s behavior and how others are responding to him.
5.Which characters fall under suspicion for the murder of Marston and Mrs. Rogers?
Who accuses them, and why?
6.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Examples of foreshadowing:
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
8
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 9
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
hue
perjury
succinctly
exonerated
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Blore suggests that Armstrong accidentally gave Mrs. Rogers an overdose of a
sleeping medication which resulted in her death. Armstrong replies, “Doctors can’t
afford to make that kind of mistake, my friend.” Why is this statement misleading?
2.Who dies in this chapter? How?
3.Who takes the lead in the process of trying to rule out who might be responsible for
the three murders recently committed?
4.The process this person uses to rule out suspects resembles what?
5.Which guests are ruled out as suspects?
6.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Examples of foreshadowing:
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
9
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 10
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
gusts
plight
sanity
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Who does Lombard suspect is behind the murders? Why?
2.Who does Claythorne suspect is behind the murders? Why?
3.What concerning episode happens to Miss Brent as she’s in her bedroom? How
does this episode serve as a flashback to a previous moment in the book?
4.What items are discovered missing? Why is this important?
5.At the end of the chapter, Rogers notes, “No more china-soldier tricks tonight. I’ve
seen to that. . .” What type of tricks is Rogers referring to and what has he done to
ensure that there won’t be any of those tricks in the middle of the night?
6.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Examples of foreshadowing:
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
10
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 11
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
abated
hysteria
impious
congealed
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.What animal-like characteristics are attributed to Lombard? What is the author
suggesting by using these characteristics?
2.Who dies in this chapter? How? Who most logically falls under suspicion for
committing this murder?
3.Why does Vera ask, “Do they keep bees on this island?”
4.Compare and contrast Blore and Lombard.
5.Who is Hugo? How are he and Vera connected?
6.Who is Beatrice Taylor? How are she and Emily connected? Why do you think Miss
Brent is preoccupied with Beatrice Taylor?
7.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Examples of foreshadowing:
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
And Then There Were None
11
Chapter 12
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
domestic
inquiringly
acquitted
demeanor
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Why does Emily Brent remain in the dining room after breakfast?
2.What happens to Brent as she’s sitting alone in the dining room? Describe her
behavior.
3.What role does the hypodermic syringe play in the events that take place in this
chapter? Who own the syringe? Where is it found and what what conclusion does this
cause the guests to come to?
4.How do the character’s decide to protect themselves while on the island?
5.Judge Wargrave gives a key to Lombard and a key to Blore? What do these keys
unlock? Why does Wargrave choose these two men to give the keys to?
6.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say
(Quote) of foreshadowing:
Mean (How does the quote
Examples
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
12
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 13
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
reverting
abnormal
sobered
quivered
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Chapter 13 notes that the characters in the novel are “reverting to more bestial
types.” What type of beast does each character resemble? What is the author
suggesting by comparing the characters to these particular animals?
2.What happens when Lombard switches on the lights?
3.What does Vera feel when she goes into her room to bath her head in cool water?
How does this incident relate to her past? When the men bring candles to her room,
what is revealed?
4.What happens to Justice Wargrave? How does the way he looks explain previous
events in the novel?
5.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Examples of foreshadowing:
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
And Then There Were None
13
Chapter 14
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
farce
sagacity
stealthy
prowling
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.What does Lombard discover in his room following the most recent death? How
does this relate to the events that have just taken place?
2.What do you find out about Vera in Chapter 14, section IV? What does Vera notice
about her room?
3.Who is Landor and what is his connection to Blore?
4.What does Blore hear as he’s sitting in his room? What does he do as a result?
5.Which character is missing from his room? How do the other characters respond to
the fact that this character is missing?
6.What do Blore and Lombard discover in the dining room?
7.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Examples of foreshadowing:
show foreshadowing?)
And Then There Were None
14
Matter (What clue is the author
providing based on this quote?)
Chapter 15
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
stolidly
obstinately
innocuous
raucous
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Do a Say-Mean-Matter analysis for the following quote: “They felt now like people
awakening from a nightmare. There was danger, yes, but it was danger in daylight.
That paralyzing atmosphere of fear that had wrapped them round like a blanker
yesterday while the wind howled outside was gone.”
2.What is a “red herring.” and how does the term relate to the discussion that
Lombard, Blore, and Vera have over breakfast?
3.Vera points out that the remaining characters are “the Zoo.” To what is she referring?
What specific descriptions in the novel support this claim?
4.According to Vera, why did the two judges in the story administer “Absolute Justice”?
How does Lombard respond to Vera’s reasoning?
5.Which character dies next? How? How is the death related to the poem?
6.At the end of the chapter, which character is discovered dead?
7. Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
Examples of foreshadowing:
And Then There Were None
15
Chapter 16
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
conjuring
solicitude
exquisite
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.What does Vera suddenly notice about Lombard’s face? How has this observation
been foreshadowed by earlier moments in the book?
2.What does Vera do that gives her the upper hand in the final episode between her
and Lombard? How does this episode end?
3.When Vera arrives back at the house, why are there still three soldier boys even
though two more of the guests have been killed? What does Vera do with the
remaining soldier boys?
4.What is the significance of Vera misquoting the nursery rhyme?
5.Who does Vera think is waiting for her?
6. What does Vera find has changed about her room? Who do you think is responsible
for this change?
7.How does Vera die?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
Examples of foreshadowing:
And Then There Were None
16
Epilogue
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
provisioned
vindictive
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Who are Inspector Maine and the Assistant Commissioner and what are they
discussing? What is Scotland Yard?
2.Who is Roger Morris and what role did he play in the events that took place on
Soldier Island?
3.When the AC points out, “U.N. Owen dealt with cases the law couldn’t touch,” what
is he suggesting about the guests on the island? What does this tell you about the
motive of the person who murdered the guest son Soldier Island?
4.Who does the AC think is the murderer?
5.Who is your prime suspect? Why?
Say (Quote)
Mean (How does the quote
Matter (What clue is the author
show foreshadowing?)
providing based on this quote?)
Examples of foreshadowing:
And Then There Were None
17
Manuscript
Vocabulary: On a separate sheet of paper, write each vocabulary word listed, the
word’s part of speech, an understandable dictionary definition, and paste in or draw a
picture or symbol that you feel represents the word.
contradictions
sadistic
scrupulous
Comprehension Questions: On a separate sheet of paper, answer each question
thoroughly using complete sentences. Be sure to cite text evidence to support your
analysis.
1.Who found the manuscript? Where was it sent?
2.How does the author of the manuscript describe himself/herself?
3.Why is it important the the author of the manuscript insist that, “the innocent must
not suffer”?
4.Who was the tenth victim?
5.How did the murderer’s visit to a doctor on Harley Street influence his actions?
6.How did the murder decide the order in which his victims would die?
7.Who was the murderer?
8.Do you feel the murders were justified? Why or why not?
9.Empathy is the ability to see things through another person’s perspective. What role
does lack of empathy play in landing each character an invitation to Soldier Island?
10.Which character do you think has the most empathy? Why?
11.Which character do you think has the least empathy? Why?
And Then There Were None
18