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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 month is it when Molly goes to Vivian's house for the first time?

2. Where does Molly live with her foster parents in the novel?

3. What is the one item of jewelry that Vivian has retained from her early childhood on the orphan train in 1929?

4. Who is the author of the poem "Ode on a Grecian Urn" that Vivian recites in Section 2?

5. What is the name of the man Vivian's Dad tries to contact once Vivian's family has arrived in New York?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the history of the Wabanaki Indians and the Penobscot people and which examines correlations between the prejudices against Native Americans and prejudices against the Irish. How are these prejudices illustrated in Orphan Train? What are some examples of bias that are seen against Molly in the novel? What are biases against Vivian that are presented?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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