The hobo apparently living on the top of the train is, perhaps by nature, a very enigmatic figure. Some claim he symbolizes the main characters doubt towards Christmas.
Others say that he purposefully tests the kids faith through negativity. Whatever his motive, the hobo (who appears and disappears through the snow, so could be considered a ghost) plays the mysterious part of the movie. In my opinion, he represents both the doubt everyone has in themselves to believe, and the complex idea of faith itself.
Maybe its more. The Hobo could be a device, a symbol who asks questions to challenge Billy's self doubt.
Whether it be Santa or being able to hear the bell, the core theme of the movie surely is overcoming fear and doubt and discovering one's confidence and self belief.
Billy needed external help to bridge this gap. I guess it is like so many people who need spiritualism generally to help them on their journey.
Ghost or Guardian Angel
He was crushed by flat top tunnel when he was riding on top of the polar express before the movie. The hobo in the movie is his ghost.
Tom hanks played many parts in the polar express including the conductor, the hobo, the father, and santa.
The instrument in question appears to be a hurdy gurdy.
in a way yes because he helps the little boy all the time.but in aother way no because he is a hobo and Jesus is NOT a HOBO!
His right shoe. "The ol' size 13," he says.
There is much symbolism in The Polar Express. As a minor example, the fact that the pin that holds a lever together (in the engine room in the train) is gold symbolizes its importance (it could have been silver or another color). Other examples: The boy and Santa represent the true spirit of Christmas. And the "hobo-looking" ghost represents the ba-humbug in all of us: that we will usually believe only what we can physically see.
In the 2004 animated movie The Polar Express, Tom Hanks provides either the voices or physical characteristics of Hero Boy, Hero Boy's father, the Conductor, the Hobo, the Scrooge puppet controlled by the Hobo, and Santa Claus.
Well I say the lonely boy in the polar express first his name is Dewey and second I think he represents Independence and Friendship
On the Polar Express, the hobo character is a mysterious and whimsical figure who represents the spirit of adventure and belief. He acts as a guide for the protagonist, helping him navigate the journey towards rediscovering the magic of Christmas. The hobo symbolizes the importance of embracing imagination and wonder in the face of doubt.
In "The Polar Express" (2004), Tom Hanks played the roles of Hero Boy, Father, Conductor, Hobo, Scrooge, Santa Claus.
Considering Polar Express 2 doesn't and won't exist, there's not a chance there will be a Polar Express 3.