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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 is Mrs. Grote's first name in the novel?

2. What does Vivian's teacher give to her for her birthday in 1930?

3. What does Fanny give to Vivian as a Christmas gift in 1929?

4. What is Molly's GPA for the semester when she meets with Lori in Section 3?

5. What is Terry's last name in the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are your thoughts on the portrayal of sexual molestation in the novel?

2. What similarities between Vivian and Molly are illustrated in Section 3?

3. Why do the Nielsens ask Vivian to change her name in Section 4? How does Vivian respond?

4. Who is Molly's social worker? What conversation does Molly have with her social worker in Section 3?

5. What assignment is Molly given in her American History class in Section 3? How does Molly intend to approach the assignment?

6. What leads up to Mr. Sorenson's arrival in Section 3? Why does Mr. Sorenson come to the Byrnes' home?

7. What is significant about Molly's defense of the Native Americans in her American History class in Section 4?

8. Where does Vivian go after leaving the Grotes' home in Section 4? Who does she ask for help?

9. Why does Molly go to the library in Section 4? What does she discover through her research there?

10. What are the benefits that both Molly and Vivian incur as a result of Vivian's stories in Section 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the characters of Miss Larsen and Mr. Post in the novel. What are Vivian’s first impressions of these characters? How does Miss Larsen behave toward Vivian? In what ways does Miss Larsen differ from the other adult female characters that have appeared in the novel thus far?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Vivian Daly in Orphan Train. What function do you think Vivian plays in the story? Is Vivian a protagonist, antagonist, or catalyst? What effect does Vivian have on Molly? What are the admirable qualities of Vivian’s character? How does Vivian’s character differ in the contemporary timeline (as a 91-year-old-woman) from her depiction as a child in 1929?

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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