The American Railroad
In both "Boy on a Train" and "Hymie's Bull," the American railroad serves as a powerful symbol of the harsh realities of racism and segregation in the United States during the early 20th century. In "Boy on a Train," the segregation of trains and the fact that James and his family have to sit in the cramped, uncomfortable luggage compartment at the back of the train represent the ways in which Black people were treated as second-class citizens and denied equal access to public spaces. This segregation was enforced through Jim Crow laws, which mandated racial segregation in all public facilities in the United States from the late 1800s to the mid-1960s. In "Hymie's Bull," the railroad serves as an allegory for the struggles and challenges that Black people faced during the Great Depression. The story's narrator explains how he left home in search of work, only to end up freight hopping his way around the country. The railroad hires brutal security guards, known as "bulls," to kick bums (freight hoppers) off the trains, and these guards often specifically target Black bums, often severely injuring or even killing them. The railroad, with its segregation and violence, serves as a symbol of the systemic racism and discrimination that Black people faced in American society.
The Black Ball
In the title story "The Black Ball," the black ball represents the weight and burden of racism that John, the main character, carries every day. The ball also represents the way that racism and segregation can limit the opportunities and choices available to Black people. Throughout the story, John is constantly reminded of his race and the discrimination he faces because of it. He is the only Black employee at the apartment building where he works, and he is often treated unfairly by his white coworkers and supervisors. For example, Mr. Berry, the manager, frequently belittles John and makes him do extra work without pay. The black ball represents the way that racism and segregation can hold Black people back and prevent them from achieving their full potential.
The Wild Horses
In "Boy on a Train," the wild horses galloping across the hills symbolize the sense of freedom and wildness that James longs for as he sits in the cramped, segregated luggage compartment of the train. The horses also represent the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. James looks out the window at the passing scenery and sees the wild horses running free, and he is filled with a sense of wonder and longing. The wild horses serve as a contrast to the confinement and restriction that James and his family experience on the train. They represent the way that people can maintain their sense of dignity and hope even in the face of difficult circumstances.
