“You've a pretty good nerve," said Ratchett. "Will twenty thousand dollars tempt you?"It will not."If you're holding out for more, you won't get it. I know what a thing's worth to me."I, also M. Ratchett."What's wrong with my proposition?"Poirot rose. "If you will forgive me for being personal - I do not like your face, M. Ratchett," he said.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote from Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express," the conversation between Ratchett and Poirot reflects the tension and suspicion present in the novel. Poirot's blunt statement about his dislike for Ratchett's face is significant as it highlights Poirot's intuitive nature and ability to read people. Additionally, Poirot's refusal to be tempted by money underscores his principled character and dedication to justice. This encounter foreshadows the central mystery of the novel and sets the tone for the unfolding investigation.
Modern Relevance
In this excerpt from Agatha Christie's novel, "Murder on the Orient Express," we see the character Poirot refusing a bribe from Ratchett because of his intuition about his character. This interaction highlights the importance of trusting one's instincts and standing firm in one's principles, even in the face of temptation.
In today's world, where bribery and corruption are still prevalent in many industries, this scene serves as a reminder to stay true to one's values and not compromise one's integrity for personal gain. It encourages individuals to listen to their intuition, even when faced with enticing offers, and to always remain steadfast in their ethics.
Dialogue between Ratchett and Poirot in Agatha Christie's novel
In this dialogue from Agatha Christie's novel, we see Poirot refusing Ratchett's offer despite the large sum of money involved. Poirot's distrust towards Ratchett is evident in his response.
Reflection Questions
In this interaction between Poirot and Ratchett, we see Poirot refusing a tempting offer based on his instincts about Ratchett's character. This exchange raises interesting questions about trust, intuition, and values. Consider the following reflection questions:
- Have there been times when you have trusted your instincts, like Poirot did in this situation? How did it turn out?
- How important do you think it is to trust your instincts, even when it may come into conflict with logical reasoning or external temptations?
- What values or principles do you think Poirot was honoring by refusing the offer, despite the significant amount of money involved?
- How do you think cultural factors, personal experiences, and biases can influence our instincts and judgments about others?
- Reflect on a time when you went against the advice or offers of others based on your gut feeling. What did you learn from that experience?
Similar quotes
“What's wrong with my proposition?" Poirot rose. "If you will forgive me for being personal-I do not like your face, M. Ratchett.”
“That is what I mean. A bath! The receptacle of porcelain, one turns the taps and fills it, one gets in, one gets out and ghoosh - ghoosh - ghoosh, the water goes down the waste pipe!""M. Poirot are you quite mad?""No, I am extremely sane.”
“I've heard that you're the cat's whiskers, M. Poirot.""Comment? The cat's whiskers? I do not understand.""Well that you're It.""Madame, I may or may not have brains - as a matter of fact I have - why pretend?”
“As you yourself have said, what other explanation can there be?'Poirot stared straight ahead of him. 'That is what I ask myself,' he said. 'That is what I never cease to ask myself.”
“Then there are some minor points that strike me as suggestive - for instance, the position of Mrs. Hubbard's sponge bag, the name of Mrs. Armstrong's mother, the detective methods of Mr. Hardman, the suggestion of Mr. MacQueen that Ratchett himself destroyed the charred note we found, Princess Dragomiroff's Christian name, and a grease spot on a Hungarian passport.”
“I think you are wise. You haven't got what it takes for this job. You are like Rosemary's father. He couldn't understand Lenin's dictum: 'Away with softness.'"I thought of Hercule Poirot's words."I'm content," I said, "to be human...."We sat there in silence, each of use convinced that the other's point of view was wrong.”