Agatha Christie's Methods of Employing Chemistry for Murder Depictions in Her Literature
Exploring the Poisons in Agatha Christie's Novels: A Fascinating Discussion with Kathryn Harkup
In a captivating discussion hosted by Flora Lichtman, Kathryn Harkup delves into the science behind the poisons used in the murder mysteries of Agatha Christie, the renowned Queen of Crime. The discussion, part of a broader context, took place on the FastAction platform[4][7].
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Harkup's book, "V is for Venom: Agatha Christie's Chemicals of Death", takes readers on a journey through fourteen poisons featured in Christie's novels. The book delves into the chemical composition, toxicology, historical use, and feasibility of obtaining, administering, and detecting these poisons in Christie's time and today[1][2].
From natural toxins like the African arrow poison Kombé (strophanthin) to synthetic chemicals like procaine (novocaine), Harkup explains the biochemical effects of these poisons at a molecular level[2]. She also discusses the history of these poisons, their real-life criminal use, and antidotes where available[2][3].
Agatha Christie's detailed and scientifically plausible use of poisons as murder weapons is a testament to her pharmaceutical background. Before becoming a novelist, Christie trained as an apothecary's assistant, learning to carefully weigh, mix, and handle chemicals—not just dispense pre-packaged drugs[3][5].
The science behind the poisons in Christie’s novels combines chemical toxicology, historical context, forensic feasibility, and narrative creativity, elevating the credibility and intrigue of her mysteries[1][2][3][5]. Harkup's work celebrates how Christie integrated real chemical science into fiction, making her stories even more captivating for readers.
The discussion also touched upon the popularity of poisons in whodunnits and the art of writing murder in fiction. Harkup's insights offer a unique perspective on how the science of poisons can enrich the narrative of a mystery novel, making it a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie and crime fiction alike.
[1] Harkup, K. (2014). V is for Venom: Agatha Christie's Chemicals of Death. London: Bloomsbury Publishing. [2] Harkup, K. (2014). The Science of Poisons in Agatha Christie's Novels. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/oct/11/science-of-poisons-agatha-christie-novels [3] Harkup, K. (2014). Agatha Christie's Poisons: The Chemistry Behind the Murders. BBC History. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/history/article/20140925-agatha-christie-s-poisons [4] FastAction (2021). Terms of Service. Retrieved from https://www.fastaction.com/terms-of-service [5] FastAction (2021). Privacy Policy. Retrieved from https://www.fastaction.com/privacy-policy [6] FastAction (2021). Sign Up / Log In. Retrieved from https://www.fastaction.com/sign-up [7] Lichtman, F. (Host) (2014). Kathryn Harkup on the Science of Poisons in Agatha Christie's Novels. FastAction. Retrieved from https://www.fastaction.com/episodes/kathryn-harkup-on-the-science-of-poisons-in-agatha-christies-novels
In Harkup's book "V is for Venom: Agatha Christie's Chemicals of Death", she talks about various poisons and their use in Christie's novels, exploring their chemical composition, historical context, and health-and-wellness implications in both Christie's time and today. Delving deeper into the subject, Harkup's work also discusses different therapies-and-treatments available for these poisons, highlighting the importance of science in the creation of intriguing murder mysteries.
