The Girl on the Train Lesson Plan

The story opens with Rachel's thoughts about a pile of clothing by the side of the train tracks, and the lives she has imagined for the people she calls "Jason" and "Jess?" What does this say about Rachel's character?

Students may have differing opinions about the way Rachel imagines backstories for discarded clothing she sees and strangers she passes on the train. Among the many conclusion that readers may draw:

• Rachel is a very imaginative character. We are told her mother and Tom have criticized her for having an overactive imagination.
• Rachel's "overactive imagination" is likely to play a major role in the plot.
• Rachel is unhappy with her life and chooses to live...