Question

What is the significance of the train in "Paul's case" and "A journey "

Answer 1

The trains in the stories symbolized the journey the characters underwent to get what they want. 

The trains are also the witnesses to the death of the characters. In the story "Paul's case" Paul committed suicide by jumping in front of a train. In the story "A Journey" the husband died in his sleep inside the train while the wife accidentally died when the train reached its destination.

It also sends a message of whatever journey one enjoys in life, he/she will always end up dead or death is an inevitable destination.

Answer 2

The train symbolizes a journey from what the characters have to what they want.

Paul's Case: Paul takes the train to his fantasy life; then he uses it as his weapon of choice on his journey from this life to the next.

A Journey: The woman's journey is taking her from a world of illness and death into what should be a life of her own; instead its takes her to death.

I hope this helps!!! :)