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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the name of Vivian's younger sister?

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

3. Where does the orphan train that Vivian rides on in 1929 make its first stop to meet potential adopters?

4. What is Mrs. Byrne's first name?

5. What month is it when Molly goes to Vivian's house for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the theme of identity illustrated through Vivian's narratives of the past in Section 2?

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

3. Where does Vivian meet Dutchy? What is foreshadowed through their first meeting in the novel?

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

5. How would you describe Vivian's objectives as she and Molly begin working in the attic in Section 2?

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

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

8. How would you describe the language style of Orphan Train? What are some noteworthy aspects of the wording used by the author?

9. What foreshadowing can be seen through the meeting of Molly and Vivian in the beginning of the novel?

10. What aspects of foreshadowing can be seen in the Prologue to Orphan Train?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the circumstances that Vivian faces when she is thrown out of the Grotes’ home. During what time of year is it? How cold might it be in this particular region at this time of year? How reasonable is it to consider that Vivian might die on a four-mile walk at night in these temperatures?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the conflicts between Vivian and Mary after Vivian arrives at the Byrnes’ residence. How does Mary act toward Vivian? Why does she act this way, according to Fanny? Do you think that Mary’s fears are valid? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Mrs. Murphy in the novel. Why does Mrs. Murphy take to Vivian so quickly? What prevents Mrs. Murphy from adopting Vivian herself? How does Vivian feel about Mrs. Murphy? What impact does Mrs. Murphy have on Vivian’s outlook on life?

(see the answer keys)

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