This is evidenced by the way he interacts with the porter and clings to the only familiar face that he recognizes, Sam Simpson. This first image of Roy on the train, is a vivid symbol of Roy leaving the comfort and safety of his home and venturing out into the harsh realities of society as a raw, inexperienced youth. .
The train also appears in the novel when Roy is frightened. He reverts back to the image of the train because to him when he enetered the train he was still a boy who enjoyed the comfort of the sun splashed countryside. So when the Roy is frightened it is only natural that he would revert back to what he knows, his childhood. A prime example of this is during Roy's slump. "He longed for a friend, a father, a home to return to-saw himself packing his duds in a suitcase, buying a ticket, and running for a train The train sped through the night across the cournty. In it he felt safe."" (Pg. 133). This quote illustrates the fact that when Roy's life starts to become difficult or unpleasant he thinks back to the train and ultimately his home. The reason that he does this is home is the only place where he feels as though he completely fits in and belongs and above all else safe. The train to Roy represents the only way back to his home and the security and comfort that home provides. That is why when Roy is experiencing difficulties in his life he thinks of the train. !!!!Another example of this is with Roy's relationship with Harriett Bird. If Roy had not been blessed with a golden arm he probably would have never boarded a train and left the comfort and security of the country side. However, because of Roy's natural ability he was forced to leave the comfort of his home. On the train he met a woman named Harriett Bird who lures Roy back to her hotel room and shoots him. "making muted noises of the triumph and despair, danced on her toes around the stricken hero.
