How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
"I don't as a rule like Americans – haven't any use for 'em-"
Poiriot smiled, remembering MacQueen's strictures on "Britishers." (2.8.38-39)
Colonel Arbuthnot and MacQueen express prejudices about people from each other's home countries.
Quote #8
"Then I go back to my compartment. The miserable John Bull who shares it with me is away attending to his master. At last he comes back – very long face as usual. He will not talk – say yes and no. A miserable race, the English – not sympathetic." (2.10.33)
A "John Bull" is an English popular culture figure, kind of like Uncle Sam.
Quote #9
"He has been a long time in America," said M. Bouc, "and he is an Italian, and Italians use the knife! And they are great liars! I do not like Italians." (2.10.51)
M. Bouc's prejudiced opinion of Italians provides a bit of comic relief in the novel. We know that he's being absolutely ridiculous.