The Dube Train by Can Themba

About the Author: Can Themba

• South African writer and journalist.
• Known for exploring themes of apartheid, urban life, and social injustice.
• His works often reflect the struggles of black South Africans under apartheid.

Summary of The Dube Train

• A short story set on a train travelling from Johannesburg to Soweto.
• The narrator observes passengers, their interactions, and underlying tensions.
• Highlights issues of poverty, violence, and resilience in everyday South African life.

Key Themes

• Apartheid & Racial Injustice: The effects of segregation are evident in the overcrowded, uncomfortable train conditions.
• Violence & Aggression: Explores how oppression breeds hostility among people.
• Urban Life & Struggles: Portrays the realities of daily life for black South Africans.
• Community & Human Resilience: Despite hardships, people show moments of kindness and solidarity.

Literary Devices

• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the train and passengers create a realistic setting.
• Dialogue: Captures authentic speech, making characters relatable.
• Symbolism: The train represents both movement (progress) and stagnation (limited opportunities).
• Tone & Mood: Shifts between tense, sombre and reflective.