The Mystery of Mrs. Christie

Agatha Miller, later Agatha Christie, is the narrator of “The Manuscript” sections in Part 1 and of Part 2. Her sections are told in first person and are evidently autobiographical. The unreliable narration present throughout The Mystery of Mrs. Christie makes Agatha’s personality difficult to identify in many aspects; though she confesses, in Part 2, that The Manuscript is largely factual, she goes on to admit that some parts of it are fiction, though she does not entirely identify which parts. Thus, while Agatha’s cunning throughout the book is evident, her other qualities (which are either self-reported or transmitted through the point of view of Archie, another unreliable narrator) carry an element of doubt for the reader.

Throughout the novel, as conveyed through “The Manuscript” sections, which span a great deal more time than Archie’s “Disappearance” sections, Agatha loses her innocence as her marriage sours. Agatha transforms from a carefree young woman who delights in romance to one who is increasingly worn down by her husband’s refusal to be made happy, despite her efforts. Agatha long desires to do whatever it takes to please Archie, including changing her style, laugh, and

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