“Trains are relentless things, aren't they, Monsieur Poirot? People are murdered and die, but they go on just the same. I am talking nonsense, but you know what I mean.""Yes, yes, I know. Life is like a train, Mademoiselle. It goes on. And it is a good thing that that is so.""Why?""Because the train gets to its journey's end at last, and there is a proverb about that in your language, Mademoiselle.""'Journey's end in lovers meeting.'" Lenox laughed. "That is not going to be true for me.""Yes--yes, it is true. You are young, younger than you yourself know. Trust the train, Mademoiselle, for it is le bon Dieu who drives it."The whistle of the engine came again."Trust the train, Mademoiselle," murmured Poirot again. "And trust Hercule Poirot. He knows.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Agatha Christie's novel "Murder on the Orient Express," the dialogue between Monsieur Poirot and Lenox reflects a deeper philosophical reflection on life and its journey. The comparison of life to a train symbolizes the unstoppable nature of time and the inevitability of reaching one's final destination. Poirot's reassurance to Lenox to trust both the train and himself conveys a sense of faith in the unknown future and the guidance of higher powers. Ultimately, this passage illustrates themes of fate, trust, and the interconnectedness of individual journeys in the grand scheme of life.
Modern Relevance
In this quote from Agatha Christie's novel, "Murder on the Orient Express," Hercule Poirot reflects on the relentless nature of trains and compares them to the journey of life. The message of trusting in the journey and in oneself still holds true today, reminding us to have faith in the path we are on and in our own intuition.
Example of Usage
In this passage from Agatha Christie's novel, "Murder on the Orient Express," the character Hercule Poirot reflects on the relentless nature of trains and compares them to life's journey. The conversation between Poirot and a young woman named Lenox explores the idea of trusting the journey and finding comfort in the ultimate destination.
Reflection Questions
In this poignant passage from Agatha Christie's novel, Murder on the Orient Express, we see a profound conversation between Monsieur Poirot and a young woman about the relentless nature of trains and the journey of life. As we reflect on this dialogue, let's consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret the metaphor of life as a train in this passage?
- What do you think Poirot means when he advises Lenox to "trust the train" and "trust Hercule Poirot"?
- Do you believe in the idea that "journey's end in lovers meeting" could still hold true for Lenox, despite her current circumstances? Why or why not?
- How does this passage resonate with you personally, and what lessons or insights can you draw from it for your own journey in life?
Similar quotes
“You tell your lies and you think nobody knows. But there are two people who know. Yes- two people. One is le bon Dieu - and the other is Hercule Poirot”
“Adele heard him, and asked if she was to go to school 'sans mademoiselle?''Yes,' he [Mr. Rochester] replied, 'absolutely sans mademoiselle; for I am to take mademoiselle to the moon, and there I shall seek a cave in one of the white valleys among the vulcano-tops, and mademoiselle shall live with me there, and only me.”
“You are the patient one, Mademoiselle,' said Poirot to Miss Debenham.She shrugged her shoulders slightly. 'What else can one do?'You are a philosopher, Mademoiselle.'That implies a detached attitude. I think my attitude is more selfish. I have learned to save myself useless emotion.”
“Taylor: Do you know when the next train to Yass is coming?Jonah: Go to hell.Taylor: Been there. Trust me. It's so overrated.”
“It's hard to use the English language. I'd rather play a tune on a horn, but I've always felt that I didn't want to train myself. Because when you get a train, you've got to have an engine and a caboose. I think it's better to train the caboose. You train yourself, you strain yourself.”