In "The Train from Rhodesia," the old man holds up his carving for the young woman, "smiling, not from the heart, but at the customer." What can you infer about the old man by reading between the lines?

Between the lines, the old man in 'The Train from Rhodesia' is depicted as putting on a facade of happiness for the customer, suggesting a sense of forced cheerfulness to make a sale. This behavior indicates a deeper layer of the old man, revealing a level of desperation or resignation in his circumstances.

Through the interaction where the old man smiles 'not from the heart, but at the customer,' the author conveys the struggle of individuals facing economic hardships and the compromises they make to survive. The old man's actions reflect societal pressures and the complexities of human emotions and survival instincts.

By presenting the old man's contrasting emotions through his smile, the story delves into themes of appearance versus reality, the impact of economic disparities, and the masks individuals wear in challenging situations.

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