The Far and the Near

The engineer is the protagonist and the central character in the story. He is described as an aging man who has spent his entire career driving a train loaded with passengers. Through his daily experiences passing the woman, her daughter, and her house, he develops a deep emotional connection and attachment. The engineer represents the longing for stability, beauty, and meaning in a life filled with perils and hardships. His character’s nostalgia and disillusionment reflects the time in which the story was written, which was fraught with rapid changes, industrialization, and advancing technology. He embodies a sense of yearning for the unchanging aspects that provide solace in an ever-changing world.

The engineer is initially presented as a dedicated and experienced individual who has spent more than 20 years driving the train that passes by the little house. His commitment to his job is evident, as he has witnessed various tragedies and dangers on the tracks and still carried on with his daily route. This experience has weathered him, leaving him marked with the wisdom and grandeur that comes with years of loyal service. Despite his hardships, the engineer finds peace and happiness in the sight of the little house and the woman and her daughter