The Iron Horse

"The Iron Horse" by R. M. Ballantyne is a story set in the 1800s about engine-driver John Marrot, his family, and their lives greatly affected by working on the Grand National Trunk Railway. The story starts with John's young daughter, Gertie, and highlights the everyday disorder they live in because their house is so close to the constantly moving trains. The book displays how the family copes with the loud and shaky environment; readers see this through John's caring, but sometimes awkward, relationships with his wife and kids. As John gets ready for his shift, some characters like Mrs. Tipps and her son become highlighted which indicates they may become important as the story continues to show how lives can be heavily affected and connected based on the power of the railway.