A Haunting in Venice Literary Elements

Mystery, Crime Fiction

The story is set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows' Eve and is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot.

The story is told from a third-person point of view.

Whimsical, Tense

The protagonist is Hercule Poirot. The antagonist is Rowena Drake, the famed opera singer. She is revealed to be the murderer responsible for the deaths.

The major conflict in the story is a murder mystery with multiple layers and complications. The primary conflict revolves around the murder of Alicia, Rowena Drake's daughter. The central questions are who killed her and why. This conflict sets the stage for the entire plot and drives the story forward.

The climax of the story occurs towards the end of the film when Hercule Poirot gathers all the remaining guests and reveals the identity of the murderer. In this dramatic and pivotal moment, Poirot unveils that Rowena Drake, the famed opera singer, is the murderer.

There is a subtle instance of foreshadowing in the following line: "I was there myself," he said. "Came in late, just to see what was doing." This seemingly casual statement may be a subtle hint of the possibility that Dr. Ferguson's presence at the party might be more relevant to the murder investigation than initially appears. The fact that he emphasizes his presence at the party even suggests that his knowledge regarding the case might become more important as the story unfolds.

"I’ve never been deserted on a Greek island by my own true love or anything like that." In this sentence, Mrs. Oliver is downplaying the dramatic and romantic image of being deserted on a Greek island by one's true love. By using understatement, she is making light of a potentially intense or emotional situation.

There is an allusion to Greek mythology specifically the mention of nymphs and fauns about the atmosphere of the garden and its sense of enchantment. The allusion to nymphs and fauns in the context of the garden suggests that the garden's atmosphere has qualities reminiscent of Greek mythological settings.

"Energetic women came in and out of doors moving chairs, small tables, flower vases, and carrying large quantities of yellow pumpkins which they disposed strategically in selected spots." - This sentence paints a picture of the busy and chaotic scene with women bustling about and placing yellow pumpkins in various locations in preparation for Halloween.

The paradox in the story lies in the contrasting ideas presented regarding the garden's creation. On one hand, Poirot mentions that the garden has been carefully planned and designed by the professional gardener Michael Garfield with specific arrangements, expensive shrubs, and rare plants. On the other hand, the garden is described as if it has grown by its own will with an appearance of wildness and natural beauty.

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"A sudden shaft of light shot across the room from a step-ladder, placed behind a screen. It hit the right spot in the room, which was reflected in the mirror grasped in Beatrice’s excited hand." The use of "a sudden shaft of light shot" personifies the light, giving it a human-like quality of action. In reality, light doesn't "shoot" or aim but this description makes the scene more vivid and dynamic.