Façade+vs.+Truth


 * __A Murder is Announced__ Theme of Façade vs Truth **

In this novel, the idea of façade vs truth is important, as several character's outward appearances belie their true intentions. Julia Simmons is revealed to be Emma Stamfordis, Phillipa Haymes is really Pip Stamfordis, and in the largest twist, Letitia Blacklock is actually her sister Charlotte Blacklock. The entire plot is dependent on the fact that characters are not who they say they are, as the murderer is revealed to be the character introduced as the victim. The battle between façade and truth creates the plot of the novel, and when façade gives in to truth, the mystery is solved. When people's motives are questioned, the truth is gradually unveiled, ultimately leading to answers in the novel. New truths about practically every character are discovered as the novel progresses, but for certain characters, the distinction between façade and truth is large. By giving every character an element of mystery and façade, Christie gives this whodunit a more intense and interesting feel. Christie makes the point that façades with respect to character are present in everyone, but can be dangerous when a major part of a character is kept secret.

1. How does the presence of a character-related façade impact the effectiveness of the whodunit? 2. Looking back, were the façades used by certain characters foreseeable? 3. In terms of façade vs. truth with respect to character, where would the characters Phillipa, Murgatroyd, and Mitzi fall?
 * Questions About Façade vs Truth **

Discuss how the structure and course of the novel would be different if there was no element of façade in the stories of characters.
 * Consider This **

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