On an Afternoon Train from Purley to Victoria, 1955

"On an Afternoon Train from Purley to Victoria, 1955" by James Berry

Context

James Berry was a Jamaican-British poet known for his work exploring the immigrant experience and cultural identity. This poem reflects on a moment of observation and contemplation during a train journey, capturing the everyday life and changing landscapes experienced by the speaker.

The Poem

Hello, she said, and startled me. Nice day. Nice day I agreed.

I am a Quaker she said and Sunday I was moved in silence to speak a poem loudly for racial brotherhood.

I was thoughtful, then said what poem came on like that? One the moment inspired she said. I was again thoughtful.

← Repetition

Inexplicably I saw empty city streets lit dimly in a day's first hours. Alongside in darkness was my father's big banana field.

Where are you from? she said.

Jamaica I said.

What part of Africa is Jamaica? she said.

Where Ireland is near Lapland I said.

Hard to see why you leave

such sunny country she said.

Snow falls elsewhere I said.

So sincere she was beautiful

as people sat down around us.

← Imagery

← Dialogue

← Humour and irony

← Personification

5 quotes + analysis to achieve a grade 9

1. Repetition: "I was thoughtful, then said... I was again thoughtful."

• Analysis: The repetition of "I was thoughtful" highlights the speaker's reflective nature as he processes the woman's comments. It suggests the emotional complexity of these interactions, as he carefully considers how to respond while navigating delicate cultural and racial topics.

2. Imagery: "Empty city streets lit dimly in a day's first hours."

• Analysis: This imagery contrasts the dark, industrialised city streets with the speaker's memory of rural Jamaica. It emphasises his sense of disconnection and nostalgia, revealing the emotional impact of immigration and the loss of a familiar environment.

3. Dialogue: "What part of Africa is Jamaica? she said."

• Analysis: This question illustrates the woman's ignorance about Caribbean geography and culture, a reflection of the cultural misunderstandings common in post-war Britain. The speaker's calm response highlights his patience in dealing with such interactions, while the woman's curiosity suggests an openness to learning.

4. Humour and Irony: "Where Ireland is near Lapland I said."

• Analysis: The speaker uses humour and irony to address the woman's ignorance about Jamaica's location. This response highlights the absurdity of her question while keeping the tone polite. It reflects the challenges of dealing with cultural misunderstandings while maintaining dignity and composure.

5. Personification: "So sincere she was beautiful."

• Analysis: The speaker personifies sincerity, describing it as "beautiful," which humanises the woman despite her ignorance. This line suggests that her good intentions and genuine curiosity create a sense of connection, showing that understanding is possible even in the face of cultural differences.

Form & Structure Points

• Free Verse: Allows for a conversational and reflective tone.
• Imagery: Vivid descriptions create a rich, sensory experience.
• Simile and Metaphor: Explore complex ideas of observation and contemplation through relatable comparisons.

Example Paragraph for a Grade 9 Answer:

In "On an Afternoon Train from Purley to Victoria, 1955," Berry presents journeys and reflections through dialogue and vivid imagery. The line "Empty city streets lit dimly in a day's first hours" creates a sense of quiet reflection, contrasting with the busy movement of the train. This reflective mood is echoed in the repetition of "I was thoughtful," which shows the speaker's pause to reflect on the woman's comments. The humorous response "Where Ireland is near Lapland" highlights the tension between the speaker's understanding and the woman's ignorance, suggesting that journeys can be both literal and emotional, involving personal growth and reflection.