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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the name of Molly's foster father?
(a) Ralph.
(b) Paul.
(c) Henry.
(d) George.

2. Who cares for Vivian briefly after the fire kills her family in New York?
(a) Mr. and Mrs. Williams.
(b) Mr. and Mrs. Boyd.
(c) Mr. and Mrs. Connolly.
(d) Mr. and Mrs. Schatzman.

3. How old is Molly when her character is introduced in the narrative?
(a) 91.
(b) 13.
(c) 22.
(d) 17.

4. Who does Molly borrow the pink blouse from that she wears when she first goes to Vivian's house?
(a) Terry.
(b) Lori.
(c) Sarah.
(d) Dina.

5. What item of jewelry does Mrs. Byrne express a dislike for on Vivian in Section 2?
(a) Her ruby ring.
(b) Her claddagh cross.
(c) Her turtle pendant.
(d) Her diamond bracelet.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old was Molly when her father died?

2. How old was Molly when her maternal grandmother died?

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

4. What is Vivian's last name in the novel?

5. What color is Molly's hair described as in the beginning of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What function does Vivian's character play in the story? How is Vivian's character introduced in the beginning of the novel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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?

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

(see the answer keys)

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