Trains

Throughout the narrative, trains represent both physical (external) and emotional (internal) journeys. Both sorts of journeys reveal important truths to Grainier and the reader about his situation, his life, and meanings associated with both, or either.

Dreams

Later in the narrative, but not necessarily later in Grainier's life (given that the fragmented narrative moves back and forth through that life), dreams appear as another way in which Grainier comes to understand his experiences. Often, his dreams contain images of trains, meaning that in the same way as trains represent different sorts of journeys, dreams seem to suggest that Grainier's subconscious (to which dreams in general are connected), is reminding him that everything is part of a journey, or the same journey.

The Spokane International

The Spokane International can be seen as representing the value of routine or habit, such as Grainier making a new home on...