Ten Little Soldier Boys (Ten Little Injuns)
Ten Little Soldier Boys went out to Dine, one choked his little self and then there were nine.
Nine Little Soldier Boys stayed up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight.
Eight Little Soldier Boys travelling in Devon; One said he’d stay there and then there were seven.
Seven Little Soldier Boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in halves and then there were six.
Six Little Soldier Boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then there were five.
Five Little Soldier Boys going through a door; One stubbed his toe and then there were four.
Four Little Soldier Boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three.
Three Little Soldier Boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two.
Two Little Soldier Boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was One.
One Little Soldier Boy left all alone; He went and hanged himself and then there were none.
The poem above is a nursery rhyme that has been adapted many times. While this version uses soldiers, some may use "Indians" or other words. When it began to evolve from the original version, the words were designed to be easily changed. For instance, a teacher or parent could change it to "ten little puppies." The original form of the poem uses a derogatory term for African Americans that became controversial to readers of the book.
Christie's novel is based on the poem above. The deaths of her characters directly reflect the circumstances of the poem. The poem, which was included in the novel, could foreshadow some of the events of the book.
Christie's novel is based on the poem above. The deaths of her characters directly reflect the circumstances of the poem. The poem, which was included in the novel, could foreshadow some of the events of the book.