Student Question
What are three activities that begin when the train arrives at the station in "The Train from Rhodesia"?
Quick answer:
When the train arrives at the station, African villagers rush to sell souvenirs or beg, while children plead for pennies from tourists. Meanwhile, dogs and chickens approach the dining car for food scraps, with chickens often beating the dogs to candies tossed by passengers. Additionally, a young white woman considers buying a carved lion from an old African vendor but hesitates due to the price, setting the stage for the story's further development.
When the train pulls into the station, several things happen simultaneously. The poor African villagers besiege the train, trying to sell their souvenirs or to beg. The children beg the white tourists on the train for pennies. Dogs and chickens go to the train's dining car, looking for food scraps. One passenger on the train throws candies that she doesn't like out the window for the dogs, but the chickens get them first. Finally, a young white woman on the train starts to buy a carved lion from an old African standing beside the train attempting to sell his wares to the passengers, but she decides the price is too high. It is from this encounter that the remainder of the story develops.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.