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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 the name of the baby that Vivian is in charge of caring for on the orphan train in 1929?

2. Where does Vivian's family take a tenement room for ten dollars a month after arriving in New York?

3. Who is Molly's American History teacher?

4. How old does Vivian say she is in the Prologue of the novel?

5. Who cares for Vivian briefly after the fire kills her family in New York?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What aspects of foreshadowing can be seen in the Prologue to Orphan Train?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Analyze and discuss the character of Molly as the protagonist of Orphan Train. What does the exposition in the beginning of the novel reveal about Molly’s past? How has Molly been affected by living in foster care? How does Molly perceive her foster parents? What emotional defenses do you see in Molly’s character?

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This section contains 1,028 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample