Kristin Wilkins

Ms. Marzano
English Composition II
9 December 2015
Novel Paper
The Girl on the Train tells the story of a mysterious disappearance that leads to the
revelation of dark secrets. Megan is seen by Rachel kissing a man who is not her husband. After
this incident, Rachel becomes involved in the uncovering of the culprit. This moment marks the
beginning of Rachels connection to the woman that she never met. The scene where Rachel sees
Kamal and Megan kissing is the most pivotal scene of the novel because it signified Rachels
transition from curious to involved in Megans life and death.
Megan was introduced as Jess, half of the perfect couple. Rachel initially viewed her as a
character that she conjured up in her mind to pass time during her daily rides on the train. When
she witnessed the encounter, it immediately altered all of her previous feelings towards Megan:
not the character Jess, but the person. The character Jess had disappointed Rachel in the most
emotionally painful way possible. This scene indicated the change from Rachel having an
impersonal to personal connection with Megan. When this personal relationship with Megan
began, Rachel started discovering her many imperfections.

While delving into Megans life, Rachel went to investigate Kamal, her doctor. This
resulted in him revealing Megans history with adultery and bad habits. The investigation of the
imperfections in Megans life exposed the horrible secrets: adultery, death, and abandonment.
Megans name was defamed throughout the examination because of the discoveries made by
Rachel. However, these secrets were essential to discovering the killer. Without Rachel bringing
them to light, the investigation would have been hindered. All of the discoveries that were made
proved to be important in causing Rachel to ultimately question the killer.
The train rides were the ideal opportunity for the connection between Megan and Rachel
to form. Rachel became intrigued by this perfect woman that she watched. If she had not
witnessed the kiss, she would have been left to wonder why she no longer saw Megan. She had
to become somewhat intrigued by the couple in order to become involved in the case. Without
witnessing Jess outside of the train on a daily basis, Rachel may not have become engaged in
Megans murder investigation. She became a key person in the developments of the case. The
kiss was the beginning of her questioning with Kamal. Kamal was able to provide key details to
allow her to pursue other motives. Rachels drive to discover the truth prompted the quick
resolution to the case.
Mystery surrounds The Girl on the Train as Rachel works to assist in finding Megans
killer. The scene in which Rachel spies Megan and Kamal kissing outside of her window on the
train is what should be considered the most pivotal moment in the novel. It is significant because
it was the start of Rachels personal connection with Megan. It also revealed Megans past
discretions and prompted Rachel's assistance in the investigation of the case. Without Rachel

witnessing this interaction, she may not have become engaged in the investigation that caused
the uncovering Megans killer.