Murder on the Orient Express Visions of America Quotes

At the table opposite them were three men. They were, he guessed, single travelers graded and placed there by the unerring judgment of the restaurant attendants. A big, swarthy Italian was picking his teeth with gusto. Opposite him a spare, neat English-man had the expressionless disapproving face of the well-trained servant. Next to the Englishman was a big American in a loud suit – possibly a commercial traveler. (1.3.14)

"There is a large American on the train," said M. Bouc, pursuing his idea – "a common-looking man with terrible clothes. He chews the gum which I believe is not done in good circles. You know whom I mean?" (1.5.134)

"Have you ever been in America, Mademoiselle?"

"No. Very nearly once. I was to go with an invalid lady, but it was cancelled at the last moment. I much regretted. They are very good, the Americans. They give much money to found schools and hospitals. They are very practical." (2.5.53-54)

"I don't as a rule like Americans – haven't any use for 'em –"

Poirot smiled, remembering MacQueen's strictures on "Britishers." (2.8.38-39)

"It is true that America is the country of progress," agreed Poirot. "There is much that I admire about Americans. Only – I am perhaps old-fashioned – but me, I find the American woman less charming than my own countrywomen. The French or Belgian girl, coquettish, charming – I think there is no one to touch her." (2.15.20)

"I would like first to mention certain points which appear to me suggestive. Let us start with a remark made to me by M. Bouc in this very place on the occasion of our first lunch together on the train. He commented on the fact that we were surrounded by people of all classes, of all ages, of all nationalities. That is a fact somewhat rare at this time of year." (3.3.22)

"I agreed with him, but when this particular point came into my mind, I tried to imagine whether such an assembly were ever likely to be collected under an other conditions. And the answer I made to myself was – only in America." (3.9.40-41)

"Ratchett had escaped justice in America. There was no question as to his guilt. I visualized a self-appointed jury of twelve people who condemned him to death and were forced by exigencies of the case to be their own executioners. And immediately, on that assumption, the whole case fell into beautiful shining order." (3.9.59)

"To play the part she played – the perfectly natural, slight ridiculous American fond mother – an artist was needed. But there was an artist connected with the Armstrong family – Mrs. Armstrong's mother – Linda Arden, the actress…" (3.9.71)