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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. Who does Molly argue with in her English class about the novel Jane Eyre in Section 2?

2. When was Anne of Green Gables published?

3. Where was Molly caught for attempting to steal a book?

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

5. What grade was Molly in when she transferred to Mount Desert Island High School?

Short Essay Questions

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

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 indicated by Molly's response when Vivian asks about Molly's mother in Section 2?

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

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. What similarities of circumstance are established between the characters of Vivian and Molly in the beginning of the novel?

8. Discuss the literary allusions in the novel. What two literary works are referenced repeatedly? What do these books have in common with the characters of Orphan train?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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