The Railway Children (Themes)

BLACK - THE THEME

BROWN - EXPLANATION

BLUE - TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
  
The Importance of a Family
The Children are always together either at the railway line, railway station and even when they collect gifts for Perks.
"Let's go and look at the railway," said Peter. (pg. 8)
... the children went to fetch the presents which other people had promised... (pg 36)
 
Hope and Optimism

Bobbie has high hopes that the Old Gentleman can help her seek the truth about her father's innocence.

But Bobbie did think about it. She did not talk to Peter or Phyllis, but she wrote a letter - to the old gentleman. (pg 42)

Coping with Hardship

The characters in this novel are resilient and courageous as they go through hardship and difficulties without complaints or despair.

"We can't take everything," Mother told them. "Just the necessary things. We have to play 'being poor' for a while." On their last night in the house Peter had to sleep on the floor, which he enjoyed very much. "I like moving," he said (pgs 4, 5) 

The children did not go to school now, and Mother spent every day in her room, writing stories. sometimes she managed to sell a story to a magazine, and then there were cakes for tea. (pg 12)

Bravery

The children risk their lives to prevent a train accident.
They try to stop the train by standing on the railway line (pgs 30, 31)
Bobbie did not move from the line. She waved and waved  her flags, shouting, "stop, stop!" as the big black engine came towards her. (pg 31) 

Perseverance

Bobbie keep on wondering about her father and insist on proving that he is innocent

Students! You don't need to memorize everything. Pick the best that you can remember the most and elaborate your idea.