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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 name do the Byrnes give to Vivian when they adopt her?

2. When was Michael Collins assassinated?

3. Where is Jack's father from?

4. How old is Maisie in 1929 when Vivian begins her life story?

5. What grade does Vivian say she was in school when she was orphaned?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are Molly's first impressions of the attic when she is taken there in Section 2? Who leads Molly to this area of Vivian's house?

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

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

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

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

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

8. How would you describe Molly's emotional shield in the beginning of the story? What led to the development of this shield?

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

10. What conversation takes place between Vivian and Dutchy on the orphan train in Minneapolis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the impact of the Stock Market Crash of 1929 on American economy. How were small towns, such as Albans, Minnesota, impacted in comparison with cities like New York? How fast did the Great Depression hit? How are these impacts presented in the storyline of Orphan Train?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the history of the Wabanaki Indians and the Penobscot people and which examines correlations between the prejudices against Native Americans and prejudices against the Irish. How are these prejudices illustrated in Orphan Train? What are some examples of bias that are seen against Molly in the novel? What are biases against Vivian that are presented?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of education, reading, and literature in the novel. What does reading represent to Molly and to Vivian? Why? How does Vivian feel about education as a child in the early 1930s? How does Molly feel about her education?

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