Train to Pakistan

How can readers see post colonialism through trains in the novel Train to Pakistan?

Novel : Train to Pakistan

By : Khushwant Singh

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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About a mile from Mano Majra is a railway bridge that spans the Sutlej River. The trains in and out of Mano Majra must cross this bridge, so it has an integral function. Similar to the trains, it connects Mano Majra to the outside world, and facilitates the movement of people and goods to, from, and through the tiny town. In the later stages of the book, the bridge becomes the rallying point of the Muslim murder plot. There’s a rope tied across the bridge that’s designed to kill the Muslim refugees sitting on top of the train. Once that happens, the mob stationed around the bridge are to begin attacking the Muslims inside of the train. At this point, the bridge is no longer a symbol of connectivity and a means of possible salvation for the fleeing Muslims, but a symbol of impending doom. Thankfully, Jugga climbs the bridge and cuts the rope, effectively sabotaging the mob’s plot. Tragically, Jugga is shot and falls to his death in the process of saving his Muslim neighbors and the other refugees. Thus, the bridge becomes symbolic of him, his bravery, and his sacrifice.

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