Final answer:
The lion statue in 'The Train to Rhodesia' is likely included to depict the protagonist's journey, acting as a metaphor for their experiences and the complexities of the society they live in, during the time of apartheid in South Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Nadine Gordimer's 'The Train to Rhodesia', the statue of the lion represents more than just an object within the narrative; its inclusion is a deliberate choice by the author that serves a symbolic purpose. The lion, which is historically associated with royal symbolism and strength, relates directly to the colonial context and the legacy of figures like Cecil Rhodes, who spearheaded British imperialist expansion in Southern Africa. In this context, the lion statue can be seen as a symbol that contrasts the perceived power and glory of colonial conquest with the complex, often harsh realities of those living under its shadow.
The presence of the statue, however, does more than just signify strength or colonial history; it contributes to the narrative by reflecting the protagonist's internal and external journey. The story, set against the backdrop of the apartheid regime in South Africa, explores themes of love, poverty, and the societal divisions that apartheid enforced. The protagonists encounter the lion statue at a pivotal moment, suggesting a narrative and moral junction, where the characters grapple with their own actions and choices within the context of a deeply segregated and unequal society.
The correct answer to the student's question is therefore likely C) Depicting the protagonist's journey. The statue serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's experiences, their relationship with the past, and the complex moral and emotional terrain they navigate.