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The Big Four

(Contains spoilers!)

Taher 11 Jul 11 at 12:37 a.m. GMT

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Hello,

I have just read "the Big Four" and found that a few questions, that appear to reader during the chapters, have not  been cleared up;  for instance, how Mayerling managed to enter the house of Poirot, showing up himself from inside of his bedroom?and if by the window, is it not a little unreasonable a man like him climbs during the broad daylight from Poirot's apartment? Again, what would be the cause of the explosion in the end of the story, killing three of the Big four?

Such ambiguities can be seen here and there, or I am much mistaken and confused? I would be very grateful if you can elucidate me about it.

Taher Ahmadi

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3 replies

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GKCfan 12 Jul 11 at 5:15 a.m. GMT

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It is never expiicitly stated, but it is suggested that Number Three's scientific work, which had been used to create a radium-based superweapon, was behind the explosion.  I don't know how Mayerling got in, but there are all sorts of possibilities, such as a fire escape.

Taher 12 Jul 11 at 8:05 a.m. GMT

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Thank you CKCfan for your explanations. Yes you are right, Mayerling could get in through a fire escape, though Hastings expresses his astonishment about Mayerling presence, saying that "He must have had a stiff climb of it".

about the explosion, I should have better asked why the three of the Big four, knowing where the secret escapes were, did not mange to save themselves?

It is stated that AC was actually running out of time for publishing, and one can feel that she rather finished the story rather hastily.

Any way that was one of the most extraordinary and uncharacteristic novels of her, if I dare say so, and almost each chapter could be developed as an independent novel. To make full justice of it, I have to say that it is really an exciting novel.

GKCfan 12 Jul 11 at 8:26 a.m. GMT

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The Big Four didn't want to survive.  Poirot had convinced them that the authorities were coming and that their dreams of revolution and world domination were foiled forever, so they decided to commit suicide in a way that would destroy their enemies as well, as well as any weaponry that might be salvaged by someone else.  However... if  the final story in Partners in Crime is to be believed, Number Four escaped and plied his wiles elsewhere.