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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 Vivian's last name in the novel?

2. What is Molly's favorite novel that she attempted to steal?

3. By what name is Dutchy called by the adults on the orphan train?

4. How would you describe Molly's sense of style in the beginning of the novel?

5. Who oversees the women who work in the Byrnes' clothing company?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

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

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

6. What happens when the orphan train stops in Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to Vivian's narrative in Section 2? Who is adopted at this stop?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the Orphan Train Movement and the Children's Aid Society. When was the Children's Aid Society founded? Who founded it? What was the main objective of the Orphan Train Movement? How many orphans were sent across the country on these trains?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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