A Report on Agatha Christie's 'The Witness for the Prosecution' Story

This report provides an analysis of Agatha Christie's short story, 'The Witness for the Prosecution.' The story revolves around Leonard Vole, who is accused of murdering Emily French, a wealthy elderly woman. The lawyer, Mr. Mayheme, defends Vole, who claims his wife, Romaine, can provide an alibi. The story's plot involves twists, including Romaine's testimony against Leonard, and a revelation of Leonard's guilt. The report delves into the characters of Leonard Vole, Romaine, Emily French, and Mr. Mayheme, examining their roles and motivations within the narrative. It also addresses the plot's key elements, including the murder, the trial, and the unexpected ending, where Romaine's actions are part of a complicated plan to free her husband. The report discusses the impact of the twist ending, the legal thriller aspects of the story, and the author's dissatisfaction with the original conclusion. The report concludes by examining the themes of deception, justice, and the complexities of relationships within the story. The references provided support the analysis, offering insights into the story's context and literary significance.

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The Witness for the Prosecution
The Witness for the Prosecution is short story by Agatha Christine. This story was
published in collection of The Hound of Death. This story opens as Mr. Mayheme who was
lawyer undertook job to defend young boy named Leonard Vole. Leonard met as well as
befriended Emily French wealthy elderly single woman. Miss French was killed with crowbar.
Janet Machenzie told police that Miss French was convinced in leaving everything for him.
Mayheme is informed by Leonard that Romaine, who was wife of Leonard, would testify that
they were both together during the murder (Aldridge and Mark 320). On night before trail, a
letter was received by Mayheme which contained information of Romaine. In one of the letters,
Romaine spoke about innocence of Leonard as well as her plans for seeing him hang. Romaine
became witness for prosecution. She testified at trail against Leonard. Romaine lost her
composure as well as admitted in making up story of confession of Leonard. With Romaine’s
testimony was discredited, so was the case. Upon conclusion of trial, Romaine was approached
by Mayheme. In this story’s final lines, it is admitted by Romaine that admitted that Miss French
was murdered by Leonard.
Original story abruptly ended with major twist, revelation of Romaine that Leonard was
guilty indeed. Leonard was arrested for Emily French’s murder. Unaware that he was married
man, she made Leonard her primary heir. When Romaine agreed in testifying, she did not in
defense of Leonard, but as witness for prosecution (McDonald and Nei 129). Decision of
Romaine was part of complicated plan for freeing her husband. She gave prosecution strongest
evidence, fabricated then new evidence which discredited her testimony. However it was

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revealed Leonard did murder Emily French. Agatha Christine over time grew dissatisfied with
the ending.
References
Aldridge, Mark. "Christie with a Twist." Agatha Christie on Screen. Palgrave Macmillan,
London, 2016. 313-331.
McDonald, Neil. "Three poirots on a train." Quadrant 62.1/2 (2018): 129.