The Phantom Brakeman

The Phantom Brakeman

by Richard Peck

Plot summery: in the biggening of this short story we are introduced to Joey or rather we see this story from his point of you. He and his sister (Mary Allice) recently moved in with theyr grandmother they are getting used to a more humble life and taking on more chores. The only thing that reminds them of home is nehi (a carbhinated drink) ,sold only at the Coffe Pot cafe. The coffee pot cafe is owend and operated by Mrs. Cripe. she employs Vandilla a skinny pale 17 year old girl. Vandilla has a controlling mother named Endilla. Endilla oposses Vandillas relationship with Junior Stubbs. All of Juniors family also oposses theyr relationship. This story mainly revolves around a family helping a couple in need.

Character Analysis:

Joe (Joey) ---13 year old boy with a kind heart. At the end of the story he dresses up as the breakmans gohst in order for Vandilla and Junior to stoe away on to the train

Mary Allicee---Joeys sister, she tap dances for poise, and is a friend of Vandilla. she helps her stoe away so Vandilla can finally run away with Junior

Grandma (Mrs. Dowdel)---Stubborn and set in her ways but has kind nature. She knows about Marry Allice keeping Vandilla in her house. Keeps neighboors at bay while Vandilla stayes at her house and Junior hides

Vandilla Eubanks--- she is a seventeen year old girl in love with Junior and plans elope. She also has a domineering mother.

Mrs. Ike Cripe---Owner of the Coffee Pot Cafe. she is a very nosy lady that kind of knows everything.

Junior Stubbs---thirty year old guy in love with Vandilla Eubaks that is seventeen years old he helps run the family business his family does not want him to marry Vandilla because they dont believe she is up to his class.

Ms. Merle Stubbs---She is a domineering lady who like controlling

her sons life .

Miz Eubanks---Vandillas abusive mother. Has the nerve to go collect Vandillas wages at the Coffe Pot Cafe.

I think this story does relate to a lot of TV shows now days. For exaple the sensse of unity the family takes in helping out the couple .. Like 7th Heaven

There are a lot

of trait's in the story that make it seem like it is repetedly happening. That even when there are many problems surrounding you if you stick togehter you can achieve many things.

ALTERNATE ENDING

Vadilla made her way to the train station knowing Junior would