Simile:
* "He was a man of about forty, with a face like a peeled apple, and a curious, old-fashioned air about him." (Describing Philip Blake) This simile creates a vivid image of Blake's pale complexion and slightly antiquated appearance.
* "The rain was coming down in sheets, like a curtain drawn across the world." (Describing the weather) This simile creates a sense of claustrophobia and isolation.
Metaphor:
* "A wave of nausea swept over her." (Describing Vera Claythorne's reaction) This metaphor conveys Vera's intense feeling of disgust and distress.
* "His life was a shambles." (Describing Anthony Marston's life) This metaphor highlights the chaotic and disorderly nature of Marston's life.
* "The house was a tomb." (Describing the atmosphere of the house) This metaphor emphasizes the oppressive and ominous atmosphere of the isolated house.
Personification:
* "The wind howled like a banshee." (Describing the wind) This personification adds to the unsettling and eerie atmosphere.
* "The silence was a living thing, heavy and suffocating." (Describing the silence) This personification emphasizes the oppressive silence and tension building in the house.
Hyperbole:
* "I've never been so terrified in my life." (Said by a character) This hyperbole emphasizes the character's extreme fear.
* "A million things were going through his mind." (Describing a character's thoughts) This hyperbole illustrates the overwhelming amount of thoughts and anxieties the character is experiencing.
Other figurative language:
* "The sea was a dark, angry beast." (Describing the sea) This imagery creates a sense of danger and unpredictability.
* "The island was a prison." (Describing the island) This metaphor reinforces the trapped feeling of the characters and their inability to escape.
Agatha Christie masterfully uses figurative language to build suspense, evoke emotions, and create a vivid and memorable reading experience for the reader. These examples are just a few instances of how she uses figurative language to enhance her storytelling.