View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is the Bar Harbor Library located that Molly goes to in order to research Vivian's past?

2. Who is the first boy that gives Vivian a promise ring?

3. Where does Mr. Byrne say Fanny went to live with her sister when he sees Vivian in the Nielsens' store?

4. The Penobscot Indians are a tribe belonging to what confederacy?

5. How is the Grotes home described when Vivian first arrives there?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the Nielsens ask Vivian to change her name in Section 4? How does Vivian respond?

2. Where does Vivian go after leaving the Grotes' home in Section 4? Who does she ask for help?

3. Who adopts Vivian after she leaves the Byrnes' home in Section 3? What are the motivations of this couple?

4. Who is Molly's social worker? What conversation does Molly have with her social worker in Section 3?

5. What assignment is Molly given in her American History class in Section 3? How does Molly intend to approach the assignment?

6. How are Vivian's teenage years described while living with the Nielsens in Section 4?

7. What are your thoughts on the portrayal of sexual molestation in the novel?

8. Where does Vivian stay while she awaits word from Mr. Sorenson in Section 4? Who oversees this establishment?

9. What leads up to Mr. Sorenson's arrival in Section 3? Why does Mr. Sorenson come to the Byrnes' home?

10. What are the benefits that both Molly and Vivian incur as a result of Vivian's stories in Section 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of loss in Orphan Train. How is this theme developed through Vivian’s character and storyline? How is it developed in Molly’s story? What are examples of symbolism in the novel that depict or support this theme?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Vivian Daly in Orphan Train. What function do you think Vivian plays in the story? Is Vivian a protagonist, antagonist, or catalyst? What effect does Vivian have on Molly? What are the admirable qualities of Vivian’s character? How does Vivian’s character differ in the contemporary timeline (as a 91-year-old-woman) from her depiction as a child in 1929?

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)

This section contains 1,009 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample