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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. Of what does Vivian say in the Prologue, "Many times in my life I have felt them around me, observing, witnessing, when no one in the living world knew or cared what happened"?

2. Who gave Vivian the copy of Anne of Green Gables that she finds in the attic?

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

4. What was the name of the turtle that Molly had as a child before she entered foster care?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What transition occurs when Molly opens the first box in the attic in Section 2? How does the narrative style of the novel change?

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

3. How would you describe Vivian's objectives as she and Molly begin working in the attic in Section 2?

4. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

Describe and analyze the character of Mrs. Murphy in the novel. Why does Mrs. Murphy take to Vivian so quickly? What prevents Mrs. Murphy from adopting Vivian herself? How does Vivian feel about Mrs. Murphy? What impact does Mrs. Murphy have on Vivian’s outlook on life?

(see the answer keys)

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