Figurative Language in Nadine Gordimer’s “The Train from Rhodesia”

INSTRUCTIONS:In order to demonstrate your understanding of Gordimer’s use of figurative language in “The Train from Rhodesia,” select one of the following options to complete on your paper plate.

1.Personification: Gordimer uses personification to describe the train throughout the short story, giving it both human and animal qualities. First, find one example of the personified train from the story. Next, create a visual on the front of your paper plate that depicts the personified train. The visual should be creative and colorful, as well as clearly represent the example of personification you choose. Then, on the back of your paper plate, write an analysis of how Gordimer’s use of personification characterizes the train. Your analysis should be written in paragraph form, and you should cite the example you choose as textual evidence.

2.Imagery: When describing the carved lion, Gordimer uses rich imagery, creating a mental picture for the reader. Reread her description of the lion on pages 1353-1354. Then, on the front of your paper plate, create a visual of the lion. The visual should be creative and colorful, as well as clearly reflect the imagery Gordimer uses in her description. Next, on the back of your paper plate, write an analysis of how Gordimer’s use of imagery indicates that the old man is an “artist,” and that “one-and-six” is not sufficient payment for it. Your analysis should be written in paragraph form, and you should cite at least one piece of textual evidence.

3. Symbolism: Throughout the story, the train clearly represents different ideals for the two groups of people—the vendors and the white tourists. On the front of your paper plate, create a visual of the train that depicts its two contrasting symbolic representations, meaning that one side should display what it symbolizes for the vendors and vice versa on the other side. The visual should be creative and colorful, as well as clearly show the symbolic contrast. Next, write an analysis of how the train functions as a dual symbol in the text on the back of your paper plate. Your analysis should be written in paragraph form, and you should cite at least one piece of textual evidence.

Figurative Language in Nadine Gordimer’s “The Train from Rhodesia”

INSTRUCTIONS: In order to demonstrate your understanding of Gordimer’s use of figurative language in “The Train from Rhodesia,” select one of the following options to complete on your paper plate.

1.Personification: Gordimer uses personification to describe the train throughout the short story, giving it both human and animal qualities. First, find one example of the personified train from the story. Next, create a visual on the front of your paper plate that depicts the personified train. The visual should be creative and colorful, as well as clearly represent the example of personification you choose. Then, on the back of your paper plate, write an analysis of how Gordimer’s use of personification characterizes the train. Your analysis should be written in paragraph form, and you should cite the example you choose as textual evidence.

2.Imagery: When describing the carved lion, Gordimer uses rich imagery, creating a mental picture for the reader. Reread her description of the lion on pages 1353-1354. Then, on the front of your paper plate, create a visual of the lion. The visual should be creative and colorful, as well as clearly reflect the imagery Gordimer uses in her description. Next, on the back of your paper plate, write an analysis of how Gordimer’s use of imagery indicates that the old man is an “artist,” and that “one-and-six” is not sufficient payment for it. Your analysis should be written in paragraph form, and you should cite at least one piece of textual evidence.

3. Symbolism: Throughout the story, the train clearly represents different ideals for the two groups of people—the vendors and the white tourists. On the front of your paper plate, create a visual of the train that depicts its two contrasting symbolic representations, meaning that one side should display what it symbolizes for the vendors and vice versa on the other side. The visual should be creative and colorful, as well as clearly show the symbolic contrast. Next, write an analysis of how the train functions as a dual symbol in the text on the back of your paper plate. Your analysis should be written in paragraph form, and you should cite at least one piece of textual evidence.