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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Molly's father die?
(a) He was executed by the state.
(b) He was shot by a stranger.
(c) He was killed in a car accident.
(d) He committed suicide by overdose.

2. What is Mrs. Byrne's first name?
(a) Lois.
(b) Sarah.
(c) Anne.
(d) Marie.

3. Who does Molly borrow the pink blouse from that she wears when she first goes to Vivian's house?
(a) Terry.
(b) Lori.
(c) Dina.
(d) Sarah.

4. By what name is Dutchy called by the adults on the orphan train?
(a) Luke.
(b) Hans.
(c) Paul.
(d) Billy.

5. Where had Vivan and her husband owned a department store before moving to the Northeast?
(a) Kansas.
(b) Wyoming.
(c) Minnesota.
(d) Nebraska.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Vivian when she is adopted by the Byrnes?

2. How old was Molly when her father died?

3. What color is Molly's hair described as in the beginning of the novel?

4. What is Molly's favorite novel that she attempted to steal?

5. How old does Vivian say she is in the Prologue of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the orphan train stops in Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to Vivian's narrative in Section 2? Who is adopted at this stop?

2. What transition occurs when Molly opens the first box in the attic in Section 2? How does the narrative style of the novel change?

3. What is Molly's function in the narrative? How has Molly's past influenced her character in the beginning of the story?

4. How does Vivian trigger the beginning of Molly's transformation of character in Section 2?

5. What purpose does the Prologue serve in Orphan Train? How would you describe the language and tone of the Prologue?

6. What is indicated by Molly's response when Vivian asks about Molly's mother in Section 2?

7. How would you describe the narrative style of Orphan Train? Who narrates the story? Are there transitions in the narrative style?

8. Where is Vivian first adopted from the orphan train? Who adopts her? What is this couple's motivation for adoption?

9. How does the structure of the novel contribute to the theme of the past's influence on the present?

10. How would you describe the "historical" aspects of the novel? Is the author effective in illustrating the historical realities of the time period?

(see the answer keys)

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