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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 does the narrator say in Section 1 is the thing that Molly hates the most about being in the foster care system?

2. What does Molly say turtles represent to the people of her culture?

3. What is the name of Jack's mother in the novel?

4. How old does Vivian say she was when her parents died in the Prologue?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What function does Vivian's character play in the story? How is Vivian's character introduced in the beginning of the novel?

3. How would you describe Vivian's relationships with her fellow workers at the clothing manufacturing company owned by the Byrnes?

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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?

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

Compare and contrast the settings of Vivian’s home in Ireland and New York City in 1929. What is the name of the village where Vivian was born? How is this setting described? How does this setting differ from Ellis Island and New York City?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the characters of Dina and Ralph Thibodeaux in Orphan Train. What characteristics stand out about Dina and Ralph? Do you think that Dina and Ralph are likeable characters? Why or why not? What do you think motivates each of these characters in the story?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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