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

2. Where is Mr. Byrne's family from in Ireland?

3. Michael Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader and was the President of what organization?

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

5. When was Michael Collins assassinated?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the structure of the novel contribute to the theme of the past's influence on the present?

3. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does the term “Irish Diaspora” mean? When did the most Irish immigrants arrive in the United States? How did Anti-Irish sentiment in the U.S. originate and evolve? How is Anti-Irish sentiment illustrated in Orphan Train?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Vivian’s impressions of Albans, Minnesota, and the home of the Byrnes. How far is Albans from Minneapolis? How populous is this town? How large is the home that the Byrnes live in? Where is Vivian forced to sleep in the home?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the narrative styles of the Prologue and the main body of the book. How does the Prologue differ from the novel itself in terms of narration? Why do you think the author chose to narrate the Prologue in this manner? How do the narrative transitions work in the main body of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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