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Objective

Objective: Chapter 1 A motif is an object in a literary work that helps develop the idea or the theme. In The Natural, trains are significant throughout, beginning with the first chapter. The objective of this lesson is to examine the motifs in the first chapter.

1) For class discussion: At the very beginning of the novel, the train is going through a dark tunnel, with has been suggested to illustrate the process of birth. Over the years, there have been many other opinions offered about what the train might symbolize. Have students discuss what the train might symbolize about the story's theme. Is it a good symbol, or would something else better serve the purpose for illustrating the theme? What do you think the author's purpose is for using this symbol?

2) The train journey parallels the life of Roy Hobbs in several ways. Have students write a short...

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