Stylistic devices:

Repetition: The phrase "she said" is repeated multiple times in the first few lines, emphasizing the
character's responses and creating a rhythmic effect.
Simile: The text includes a simile when it describes how the woman treats the man's questions "like
spaces in an official form."
Metaphor: The man's persistence is described as "gentle, slightly vulnerable," which is a metaphor
comparing his persistence to qualities like gentleness and vulnerability.
Irony: The man's comment about smoking and the leper's bell is ironic, as it humorously comments on
the exaggerated health concerns associated with smoking.
Allusion: The mention of the film "Play it again, Sam" and the reference to Bette Midler is an allusion
to popular culture, adding depth to the conversation.
Hyperbole: The man's comment about divorce and murder being "a lot less hassle" is hyperbolic and
exaggerated for effect.
Foreshadowing: The mention of Fran having the man's telephone number without him having hers
foreshadows their future interactions and potential relationship.
Symbolism: The return ticket in Fran's pocket could be seen as a symbol of her uncertainty about
returning home and her desire for escape.
Personification: The text personifies Fran's faith in life and living, stating that it "evaporates."
Metonymy: The phrase "home is simply where you can't get away from" uses "home" as a metonymy
for one's past, obligations, or responsibilities.

Characters:
Fran: She is the central character, a journalist, who initially appears reserved and distant but gradually
opens up to a conversation with a fellow traveler. Fran's internal conflict and sense of isolation are
evident throughout the story. She represents the theme of searching for a sense of belonging.
The Man: The man who strikes up a conversation with Fran on the train is persistent and friendly. He
represents the idea of unexpected connections and the potential for new relationships.
Plot:
The story follows the interaction between Fran and the man during their train journey. Initially, Fran is
reticent and treats the man's questions impersonally. However, as their conversation progresses, they
begin to connect on a deeper level. The man's persistence and friendly demeanor gradually break down
Fran's emotional barriers, leading to a moment of intimacy and connection between strangers. The story's
climax occurs when Fran departs from the train, leaving her with mixed emotions.

Themes:
Isolation and Loneliness: Fran's initial demeanor and her reflections on her journey suggest a sense of
isolation and emotional detachment. Her parents also appear emotionally distant.
Connection and Intimacy: The story explores the possibility of finding meaningful connections with
strangers, highlighting the potential for human interaction to break down barriers and provide comfort.
Identity and Belonging: Fran's journey represents her search for identity and a place where she truly
belongs. The return ticket in her pocket symbolizes her internal struggle and uncertainty about her future.
Nostalgia: The concept of homecoming implies a return to a familiar place, evoking feelings of nostalgia
and reflection on the past.
Narrative Style:
The narrative style is third-person limited, primarily focusing on Fran's perspective and inner thoughts.
This allows readers to connect with Fran's emotional journey and gradual transformation.
Symbolic Function of Space:
The line "Her life in miniature, she thought, this journey" (line 85) suggests that Fran views her train
journey as a microcosm of her life. This image is relevant as it reflects Fran's sense of introspection and
self-reflection during the journey. It highlights her feeling of being trapped or confined within the train's
space, mirroring her inner conflict and quest for identity.
The sentence "A promise something in her wouldn't allow her to fulfill" (lines 85-86) connects with the
earlier mention of "empty whisky miniatures interred in their plastic cups" (line 10). These references to
emptiness and unfulfilled promises suggest a parallel between Fran's inner emotional state and the
discarded, empty containers. It implies a sense of dissatisfaction or unrealized potential.

Words Connected with Emptiness, Distance, Difference, and Death:

Here is a list of words and phrases related to emptiness, distance, difference, and death in the text:
Emptiness: "empty whisky miniatures," "empty whisky miniatures interred"
Distance: "far they were along the road to marriage," "slightly apart"
Difference: "difference is it making," "Trojan Horse," "loot and pillage"
Death: "murder must be a lot less hassle"
These words and phrases emphasize the theme of dissatisfaction, disconnection, and the passage of time.
Fran's Byline:
Fran's byline may have relevance beyond its literal meaning as the line giving the writer's name in a
magazine. It could evoke the idea of what is secondary or minor, suggesting that Fran's personal journey
and experiences are secondary to her professional life as a journalist. This may tie into her sense of
emptiness and unfulfilled promises.
Military Metaphor:
There are instances of a military metaphor, such as her father's "clipped, grey military moustache" (lines
78-79). This metaphor emphasizes a sense of formality, discipline, and emotional detachment within the
family.
.Syntax of Lines 72-75 and Its Significance:
In lines 72-75, the syntax is significant as it marks a turning point in the narrative. Fran's revelation or
realization is highlighted here, both in terms of the content and the physical action of her turning. This
moment signifies her emotional transformation during the train journey, where she begins to open up to
the possibility of a connection with Tom. It's a pivotal moment where Fran's emotional barriers start to
break down, and she experiences a sense of closeness or intimacy with Tom.
Comparison with "The Story of an Hour" Epiphany:
While both "Homecoming" and "The Story of an Hour" feature moments of revelation and
transformation for the central female characters, there are differences in their circumstances and
reactions. In "The Story of an Hour," Louise Mallard experiences a dramatic realization of freedom and
self-identity upon learning of her husband's death, whereas Fran's revelation is more about the potential
for connection and intimacy during her train journey. Both stories, however, explore themes of personal
liberation and self-discovery in the context of marriage and societal expectations.
Lexis in Line 75 and Comparison to Mrs. Mallard's Discovery:
In line 75, Fran's feelings of "elation" are revealed. This word suggests a sense of joy and happiness,
contrasting with her earlier detachment. Mrs. Mallard in "The Story of an Hour" also experiences a sense
of freedom and elation upon her epiphany. Both characters discover a newfound emotional state, but
their circumstances and motivations differ.
Relationships with Family, Marriage, and Education:
Fran seems to have a complex relationship with her family, as suggested by her parents' distant and
formal demeanor. Her journey home may symbolize her struggle with familial expectations and the need
for personal freedom.
Marriage is portrayed as a topic of discussion between Fran and Tom, with Fran mentioning her current
involvement and her uncertainty about marriage. This reflects a modern and open approach to
relationships.
There are no explicit references to social or religious education in the text, but Fran's independent and
career-focused life as a journalist implies a certain level of autonomy and education.
Symbolic Tokens of Equality:
Tom and Fran's brief meeting evinces symbolic tokens of equality in their interaction. Tom's willingness
to engage in conversation and his open smile suggest a respectful and egalitarian approach. Their
exchange of questions and information without any power dynamics or assumptions of traditional gender
roles showcases a sense of equality in their brief encounter.
Metaphor of the "Road to Marriage":
The metaphor of the "road to marriage" (line 70) serves both as a humorous remark by Tom and a
reflection on the journey of life. It implies that the path to marriage or commitment is not always
straightforward and may involve detours and unexpected encounters. It suggests a lighthearted view of
relationships and the unpredictability of life.
Role of the Narrator as Godlike or Father-like:
The narrator in "Homecoming" functions more as an observer and interpreter of Fran's emotions and
behavior rather than having a godlike or father-like role. The narrator provides insight into Fran's
thoughts and feelings, contributing to the reader's understanding of her character, but does not exert
control or judgment over her actions.