3. On an Afternoon train From Purley to Victoria

Question 1

What is the poem about?

Answer 1

it is a conversation on a train between a quaker and the speaker of the poem who is from Jamaica. They discuss that the quaker doesn’t know anything about Jamaica but shows compassion. The speaker is touched by their compassion.

Question 2

What are the 5 key themes in this poem?

Answer 2

identity and culture, identity and family heritage, belonging, migration, prejudice

Question 3

Quote that shows more about the identity of the narrator

Answer 3

‘I am a quaker’ key word quaker

Question 4

quote that shows lighthearted conversation between the narrator and the quaker- they are joking rather than angry

Answer 4

where Ireland is near lapland- key word near

Question 5

quote that shows the quaker is compassionate and in support of others

Answer 5

‘racial brotherhood’ both key words

Question 6

What do we know about James Berry the author?

Answer 6

He came to Britain in 1948 but originally from Jamaica. His poems explore the experience of carribean migrants

Question 7

what are key feelings in the poem?

Answer 7

LOSS- the speaker recalls their home. ACCEPTANCE- the speaker accepts the quakers ignorance (lack of knowledge)