As Enrique departs on his long journey for the United States, he has one motive that keeps him going: his mother is waiting for him on the other side. By focusing on his destination rather than the danger and hardships of his trip, Enrique maintains an overall optimistic attitude. Nazario comments on his outlook of the train, saying, "Enrique is struck by the magic of the train-- its power and its ability to take him to his mother. To him, it is El Caballo de Hierro. The Iron Horse," (Nazario 71). His determination to see his mother again gives Enrique a positive outlook on the train, seeing it as a powerful force to reunite him with Lourdes. Some of the other migrants have the same mind-set as Enrique, calling it "The Pilgrim's Train" as it brings them to the North for a better life (71). These people keep a positive view on the journey like Enrique. While a portion of the migrants appreciates the train for its destination, other migrants think otherwise. Some call it "The Iron Worm" because it is known for swaying and derailing, causing the deaths of many (71). Others call it "The Train of Death" for this same reason (71). These migrants are too frightened by the train to think positively of the destination. They cannot concentrate on what is ahead of them with the numerous obstacles presented on the journey. Their outlook is pessimistic, and though they may reach their desired destination, they are unable to think positively until that destination is secured.
In all, there are two categories of migrants on the train: those who focus on the destination, and those who concentrate on the trials at hand. Each is understandable, for reaching the North can provide a better future, yet the train is plagued with danger and crime. If you were making this perilous trek to the North, what do you think your outlook would be?
Honestly, I think my outlook would be both optimistic and pessimistic. I would most likely be focused on how amazing and happy I will be once I reach my destination. I think my hope would keep me concentrated on moving forward. However, especially by being a girl, the journey would be incredibly risky and near life-threatening. I probably wouldn't be as pessimistic but rather realistic about my journey and the trains. Each day I would think about how worth it my trip will be, but remain careful and smart along the way Overall, I think I would be pretty optimistic.
ReplyDeleteI believe that my outlook of the train would vary throughout the trip. Like Enrique, I would try to stay positive and think of the destination, but I know that is harder than it seems. It would be hard not to get discouraged along the way, especially after witnessing some of the terrors the train can cause. I think I would call the train "the change train" because whether it is for the best or worst, riding the train will change your life.
ReplyDeleteI think that I would have to start off looking optimistic about my journey. This is because it is the only way that I could keep on going. I would have to be optimistic about how life would be once I did reach my mother. This way, you would always have motivation. But, I do think that I would have to be realistic while looking at the situation regarding the dangerous trek on the trains. I would try hard not to be pessimistic, but honestly, it would be hard not to be. Especially if I were in situations that caused me to be without food or water. Throughout my journey, I would try to have a positive outlook on the outcome, but still be realistic about the specifics of the journey.
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