Characters and Events in Modern Fiction

Questions and Answers

Who were the chaperones for Niamh's train ride?

Mrs. Scatcherd and Mr. Curran

What occupation do Mr. and Mrs. Byrne have?

They are women's clothiers

What was Carmine's distinguishing feature?

He was cross-eyed

When Dorothy fled her foster home, where did she go?

The school Signup and view all the answers

With what symbol does Molly identify?

Turtle Signup and view all the answers

What were the names of Vivian's twin brothers?

Dominick and James Signup and view all the answers

What nationality was Hans?

German Signup and view all the answers

Which ship did Vivian and her family travel to Ellis Island on?

Agnes Pauline Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, where is Jack's mom from?

Dominican Republic Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, when is Vivian's birthday?

April Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, when is Molly's birthday?

January Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, where is Molly's turtle tattoo?

Her hip Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Grotes' children?

Harold, Nettie, Gerald, and Mabel Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Grote do to Vivian?

He tries to rape her Signup and view all the answers

Who drives the children to the schoolhouse in his truck when Vivian lived with the Grotes?

Mr. Post Signup and view all the answers

Who does Vivian go to live with after leaving the Brynes' house?

Wilma and Gerald Grotes Signup and view all the answers

What was Judy Garland's birth name, according to Vivian's friend?

Frances Ethel Gumm Signup and view all the answers

At the beginning of the book, how old does Vivian say she is?

91 Signup and view all the answers

What does Fanny give to Vivian as a Christmas gift in 1929?

Gloves and mittens Signup and view all the answers

How old is Vivian in 1939 when she goes to Minneapolis with friends?

19 Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, who is the first seamstress that Mrs. Byrne lets go after the stock market crash?

Sally Signup and view all the answers

Who is the representative from the Children's Aid Society that comes to take Vivian from the Brynes?

Mr. Sorenson Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the boarding house where Miss Larsen lives in 1930?

Hemingford Home for Young Ladies Signup and view all the answers

Who is the driver that picks Miss Larsen and Vivian up after school to take them to the boarding house?

Mr. Yates Signup and view all the answers

Where is Vivian out with her friends in Minneapolis when she encounters Dutchy again in 1939?

The Grand Hotel Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, where in Ireland does Mrs. Murphy say her family is from when she meets Vivian?

Enniscorthy Signup and view all the answers

Who is Molly's American History teacher?

Mr. Reed Signup and view all the answers

What illness does Vivian contract after she arrives at the boarding house where Miss Larsen lives?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What is the movie that Vivian sees at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis with friends in 1939?

Wizard of Oz Signup and view all the answers

How far does Vivian walk from the Grotes' home to the schoolhouse after she's been kicked out?

4 miles Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, how old does Vivian say she was when her biological parents died?

9 years old Signup and view all the answers

How old does Vivian say she was when she lost her true love?

23 Signup and view all the answers

Where does Vivian admit that her mother went after the fire when she first arrives at Miss Larsen's room at the boarding house?

Mental Hospital Signup and view all the answers

How many rooms comprise Vivian's house?

14 Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what are the names of Vivian's friends that she goes to Minneapolis with in 1939?

Lillian and Emily Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, where does Mrs. Grund work as a sales clerk?

A shoe store Signup and view all the answers

Where had Vivian and her husband owned a department store before moving to the northeast?

Minnesota Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Grote's first name?

Wilma Signup and view all the answers

Where did Niamh sleep when the Brynes took her in?

The hallway Signup and view all the answers

What position did Vivian have at the Nielson's store?

Manager Signup and view all the answers

Where was Dutchy killed?

Pearl Harbor Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, how old was Vivian's sister when she died?

83 Signup and view all the answers

How is Becca similar to Vivian?

She has red hair and freckles Signup and view all the answers

Who was Niamh's cross necklace a gift from?

Her grandmother Signup and view all the answers

What does the fish charm on Molly's necklace do?

Resist others' magic Signup and view all the answers

What does the bear charm on Molly's necklace do?

Her protector Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what does the raven charm on Molly's necklace do?

Protect her from bad spells Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, how did Molly's father die?

Car accident Signup and view all the answers

Of what descent was Molly?

Penobscot Indian descent Signup and view all the answers

How many hours of community service does she have to perform?

50 hours of community service Signup and view all the answers

Where does Vivian come from New York through?

Ellis Island Signup and view all the answers

What are Vivian's names before it became Vivian?

Niamh (Neev) and Dorothy Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what family does Vivian go to first?

Mr. and Mrs. Byrne Signup and view all the answers

Why does Vivian have to leave the Byrne's home?

The stock crash of 1929 results in them losing their wealth Signup and view all the answers

Whose home does she go to after leaving the Byrne's?

The Grote's home Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Vivian's favorite books?

Anne of Green Gables Series Signup and view all the answers

Who is Vivian's teacher?

Mr. Larsen Signup and view all the answers

Whose home does Mrs. Larsen take Vivian to?

Mrs. Murphy Signup and view all the answers

Who finally adopts her?

Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen Signup and view all the answers

How did Vivian acquire the name Vivian?

The Nielsens wanted to name her after their daughter who passed away of diphtheria. Signup and view all the answers

What did Vivian look like when she was young?

Red hair and brown/hazel eyes Signup and view all the answers

How old is Vivian when her parents die?

9 Signup and view all the answers

How old is Molly when her dad died?

8 Signup and view all the answers

What 21st century year did the Molly perspective take place?

2011 Signup and view all the answers

What does Vivian name her daughter?

May Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what did Vivian's daughter's adopted parents name her?

Sarah Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what is Sarah's daughter's name?

Becca Signup and view all the answers

Who did Vivian go out with the day she saw Dutchy again?

Emily and Lillian Signup and view all the answers

What was Dutchy doing?

Playing the piano, because he was a professional pianist Signup and view all the answers

What is Dutchy's real name?

Hans Signup and view all the answers

How old was Molly when she got her tattoo?

16 Signup and view all the answers

Where does Vivian live when she comes to America?

Elizabeth Street Signup and view all the answers

How much did they pay for rent?

10 dollars a month Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated amount of children who rode the trains?

200,000 Signup and view all the answers

Who does Vivian marry after Dutchy dies?

Jim Daly (Dutchy's best friend) Signup and view all the answers

What does Molly find out about her mother on the Internet?

Her mother is in jail Signup and view all the answers

Why is Molly's mom in jail?

She stole OxyContin from a pharmacy Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what does Fanny give Dorothy for Christmas?

A pair of blue fingerless gloves and a pair of brown mittens Signup and view all the answers

What two names are embroidered on Molly's duffel bag?

Ashley and Braden Signup and view all the answers

Why does Vivian not want to leave for college?

Because the Nielsens need her and her world is big enough Signup and view all the answers

What was Vivian's last name before she came to America?

Powers Signup and view all the answers

How is Niamh's name mispronounced by Mrs. Byrne?

Eve Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, who changes Niamh's name to Dorothy?

Mrs. Byrnes Signup and view all the answers

Where and in what year is Niamh adopted by the Byrnes?

Albans, Minnesota; 1929 Signup and view all the answers

What book does Vivian give to Molly?

Anne of Green Gables Signup and view all the answers

According to Molly, why hasn't she looked for her mother?

She doesn't care Signup and view all the answers

What symbolic importance is the turtle tattoo for Molly?

A turtle carries its home on its back, it's exposed and hidden at the same time, and it is symbolic of strength and perseverance Signup and view all the answers

In order for Terry to give Molly credit for community service, what must Molly do?

Convince Vivian to get rid of things (not just go through them) in the attic Signup and view all the answers

Who is the greatest Irish hero, according to Mr. Byrne?

Michael Collins Signup and view all the answers

At the Byrnes's, which of Dorothy's coworkers is unkind to her?

Mary Signup and view all the answers

What are the first words of Orphan Train?

I believe in ghosts Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what is Dina's job?

Dispatcher at Spruce Harbor police station Signup and view all the answers

Why does Molly copy down vocabulary words in a notebook, such as 'harridan, pusillanimous, and talisman'?

She likes how they sound Signup and view all the answers

Who gave the charm necklace to Molly?

Her father Signup and view all the answers

Who are Molly's foster parents?

Dina and Ralph Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, who is Jack's mom who works for Vivian Daly?

Terry Signup and view all the answers

What town was Niamh originally from in Ireland?

Kinvara Signup and view all the answers

What landmark did Niamh's family immigrate through?

Ellis Island Signup and view all the answers

In Orphan Train, what is the Irish symbol Niamh wears around her neck?

Claddagh Cross Signup and view all the answers

How long do adoptive parents have to 'send a child back' after adopting them from the train?

90 days Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Niamh's train chaperones are Mrs. Scatcherd and Mr. Curran.
Mr. and Mrs. Byrne work as women's clothiers.
Vivian had twin brothers named Dominick and James; she later lives with the Grotes and is known as Dorothy during her time there.
Molly, a central character, identifies with the turtle symbol, reflecting her personal journey and resilience.
Dutchy, whose real name is Hans, is a close figure to Vivian, with whom she reconnects later.

Significant Events

Dorothy fled her foster home to escape to the school.
Vivian's birthday is in April, while Molly’s is in January.
The stock market crash of 1929 impacts Vivian, forcing her to leave the Byrne’s home due to their loss of wealth.
After being kicked out of the Grotes' home, Vivian walks four miles to school.

Cultural Context and Themes

Vivian's family immigrated to America through Ellis Island on the ship Agnes Pauline.
The story touches upon the historical backdrop of orphan trains, with an estimated 200,000 children riding them.
Vivian’s various names (Niamh, Dorothy) signify her transformation throughout her life experiences.
Molly reflects modern issues, highlighted by her mother's struggles with the law due to drug-related offenses.

Personal Traits and Experiences

Vivian was characterized by red hair and brown/hazel eyes in her youth.
Molly possesses a turtle tattoo on her hip, symbolizing strength and belonging, representing her desire for stability.
After her parents died, Vivian was just 9 years old and later lost her true love at the age of 23.

Important Objects and Symbols

Vivian receives gloves and mittens as a Christmas gift from Fanny in 1929, symbolizing warmth and care.
The charms on Molly's necklace, including a fish, bear, and raven, serve protective and symbolic functions in her life.
Vivian’s favorite book, “Anne of Green Gables,” connects her to a yearning for belonging and family.

Locations and Background

Vivian's early life in Ireland was based in Kinvara, and she later lived on Elizabeth Street upon arriving in America.
The boarding house where Miss Larsen lives is called Hemingford Home for Young Ladies, a setting that significantly shapes Vivian's experiences.
Vivian has ties to Minnesota, where she previously owned a department store before moving to the northeast.

Conclusion of Major Themes

The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
Relationships reflect both familial and societal connections, demonstrating resilience amidst adversity.
The intertwining lives of Vivian and Molly illustrate generational struggles and the search for identity.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationships and significant events in the literary work. Discover the journeys of characters like Vivian and Molly, their struggles, and the cultural backdrop that shapes their lives. This quiz delves into themes of resilience, immigration, and the impact of historical events.