Vivian's Ghosts and Molly's Journey

Questions and Answers

Who are Vivian's ghosts?

Everyone who was once in her life.

What does Vivian's ghost do for her in death that they could not do in life?

Console and protect her.

What do the ghosts whisper to her?

They tell her to go on.

What are the names of Molly's foster parents?

Ralph and Dina. Signup and view all the answers

Who was a troubled teen?

Ralph. Signup and view all the answers

What program saved Ralph as a teen?

Big Brother program. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Molly stress Dina?

Dina is a dispatcher and the smallest things set her off. Signup and view all the answers

How does Molly cope with not fitting in at the school she transferred to?

She wore her goth persona like armor. Signup and view all the answers

Which classmate tried to break through Molly's goth persona?

Jack. Signup and view all the answers

Does Jack succeed with Molly?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why does Molly say her goth persona is restrictive?

She didn't trust anyone so it was hard for her to let people in. Signup and view all the answers

Compare Jack's parents with Molly's parents:

Jack's parents = Had him and the father was not around Molly's parents = Were both around Signup and view all the answers

What does Molly respect about Jack?

She respects that he is smart. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dina think Molly is untrustworthy?

She thinks she stole the book. Signup and view all the answers

How does Molly get caught?

There is an anti-theft detector in the book. Signup and view all the answers

What does Molly hate about being in foster care?

She is constantly moving around and changing homes, dependence on other people. Signup and view all the answers

What keepsake does Molly wear every time something happens and she knows she is on the move again?

Charm necklace. Signup and view all the answers

What community service does Jack suggest Molly do for stealing the book and why?

Cleaning an attic; keeps her out of juvie and she is organized. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Jack give Molly in preparation for the interview?

Wear a skirt or something that isn't black. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the chapter, who is the author's intended audience?

Orphans. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the chapter, what is the author's purpose?

To inform us. Signup and view all the answers

Did the author's purpose work for the audience?

False Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use pathos (emotional appeal) in this chapter?

The author shows heartbreak and betrayal at the end. Molly learned long ago that a lot of the heartbreak and betrayal happened when her father died. Signup and view all the answers

State the author's bias and which character delivered the bias.

Ralph, he is biased about not making Molly leave because he was in a foster home. Molly thinks most foster situations are unfavorable. Signup and view all the answers

What is Molly's impression of Vivian Daly's Victorian home?

It is bigger than she expected. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jack tell Molly about Vivian?

She is uptight but nice. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know that Dina approved of Molly's appearance for the interview?

She says Molly looks ladylike. Signup and view all the answers

Does Dina think Molly will commit to fifty hours of community service?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why does Molly say Jack is such a mom?

He makes sure she makes a good impression. Signup and view all the answers

Does Vivian know the reason Molly is interviewing for the job?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does imperious mean?

Dominant, conceited. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know that Vivian likes Molly?

She was complimenting her. Signup and view all the answers

What do Vivian and Molly have in common?

They both consider themselves orphans. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Niamh's family leave Ireland for America?

Life was hard there. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Niamh think there was hope for a better life in New York?

They heard that there were jobs as plentiful as the fruit on the trees. Signup and view all the answers

What frightened Niamh most about their new life in America?

That their lives would fall apart; afraid of her dad drinking, mother is depressed and parents fighting. Signup and view all the answers

Maisie's crying is portent of what danger? Make a prediction.

Having everything fall apart and having nothing. Signup and view all the answers

It is 1929. Who do you think is Niamh?

Vivian. Signup and view all the answers

Niamh is 9 years old when she loses her family in the fire. Do you think her mother and sister are alive?

False Signup and view all the answers

Niamh says she is a burden to society because she does not have a family and is nobody's responsibility. However, she is somebody's responsibility....whose?

Children's and society. Signup and view all the answers

What physical features may prevent Niamh from being placed in someone's home?

Red hair and freckles. Signup and view all the answers

What keepsake is Niamh allowed to take on the train?

Small silver Claddagh Celtic cross. Signup and view all the answers

What baby was given to Niamh on the train?

Carmine. Signup and view all the answers

Niamh gets what new name sewn into her donated coat?

Niamh Power. Signup and view all the answers

All the orphan children have sad tales, so it is best to do what?

Best not to talk about the past. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the children's aid sponsors?

Mrs. Scatcherd and Mr. Curran. Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Scatcherd tells the children they are on an orphan train and they are lucky to be leaving behind an evil place - where are they leaving?

New York City. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if they do not follow the rules on the orphan train?

They will have to fend for themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Niamh skeptical about country life?

She knows the beautiful visions do not match reality. Signup and view all the answers

Niamh reflects on her family's life in New York and Ireland - in what ways does Ireland seem better?

In Ireland, they had support of friends, family, and culture. Signup and view all the answers

Who taught Niamh to read?

Mam. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Niamh learn her letters and to spell?

Ireland. Signup and view all the answers

Who is escorting the children on the train to a better life?

Mr. Curran and Mrs. Scatcherd. Signup and view all the answers

The boy with the straight hair and pale blue eyes is 12 or 13. How would you describe his demeanor?

Dirty and not well-kept. Signup and view all the answers

How did the boy now sitting next to Niamh survive street life?

He shined shoes. Signup and view all the answers

What physical feature does Niamh have that may prevent her from being placed with a family?

Red hair and freckles. Signup and view all the answers

What children are chosen first by a family?

Babies and boys that are older. Signup and view all the answers

Who makes up the 'odd little family' on the train?

Hans, Carmine, and Niamh. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Dutchy an orphan?

His mom died and his dad sent him to the streets to earn money. Signup and view all the answers

Why did a few kids from Dutchy's gang end up on the train?

They were promised a hot meal and wanted a clean bed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dutchy believe is his fate?

Hard labor. Signup and view all the answers

At the train station in Chicago, is Dutchy trying to escape Mr. Curran and Mrs. Scatcherd?

False Signup and view all the answers

Who lies to keep Dutchy from being arrested?

Niamh. Signup and view all the answers

How is Dutchy punished by Mrs. Scatcherd?

Slapping his knuckles with the ruler. Signup and view all the answers

Who says all the children on the train will be sold into slavery?

Mrs. Scatcherd. Signup and view all the answers

Is there a guarantee that the children will be chosen by people who will treat them with kindness?

False Signup and view all the answers

How many hours must Molly work for Vivian?

50 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Will Molly have a record if she works for Vivian?

False Signup and view all the answers

Which foster parent does Molly get along with?

Ralph. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know that Dina, her foster mother, doesn't like her?

She rolls her eyes and mutters to herself about her infractions. Signup and view all the answers

How many foster homes has Molly been in the past nine years?

A dozen. Signup and view all the answers

When did Molly lose her virginity?

She lost it at 16 for a free tattoo. Signup and view all the answers

Does anyone live with Vivian in her 14 room house?

False Signup and view all the answers

Where is the house?

Maine. Signup and view all the answers

How long has she lived in the house?

20 years. Signup and view all the answers

Where did she live before Maine?

Minnesota. Signup and view all the answers

What did Vivian and her husband do in Minnesota?

They owned and ran a department store. Signup and view all the answers

On what floor of Vivian's house is the attic?

3rd floor. Signup and view all the answers

How often must Molly work for Vivian?

2 hours for 4 days a week. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that the US was founded on indentured service?

People who owed money worked off their payment. Signup and view all the answers

Does Molly consider working for Vivian as indentured servitude?

False Signup and view all the answers

How many years has Vivian stored the boxes?

20 years. Signup and view all the answers

How often does Molly see the court-ordered social worker?

Bi-weekly. Signup and view all the answers

Does Molly realize what is positive about her situation?

False Signup and view all the answers

The boxes are labeled, so how does Molly decide to approach this project?

She wants to put them in chronological order. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Vivian's life just as it was twenty or even forty years ago?

She still lives how she did back then, no electronics or internet, washes dishes by hand. Signup and view all the answers

What does Molly find in the 1929-1930 box?

A coat. Signup and view all the answers

How do you know that Dutchy likes Molly?

He looks at her and compliments her, and says that they'll find each other. Signup and view all the answers

How does Niamh explain to Dutchy the meaning of fate?

That everything is decided by God and they were just living it out. Signup and view all the answers

How must the children present themselves to make a good impression?

Clean faces, combed hair, shirts tucked, and bright eyes and smiles. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the train stop first?

Minneapolis. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the children not chosen at the Milwaukee Road Depot?

They get on the train and go to the next stop. Signup and view all the answers

How are the children presented to potential placement families?

They are lined up in two straight lines. Signup and view all the answers

How does Niamh feel about the process of procuring parents?

She feels like a cow in an agricultural show. Signup and view all the answers

Carmine and Dutchy are placed with families at this stop, who takes Carmine?

Slim blond woman in front of her husband. Signup and view all the answers

Who takes Dutchy?

Eva and Barney McCullum. Signup and view all the answers

How many children are left to board the train?

Half a dozen - a few sickly looking, teenage boys, and some homely children. Signup and view all the answers

What is the next stop?

Albans, Minnesota. Signup and view all the answers

How does Niamh feel when she arrives at Albans Depot?

She is no longer nervous or worried. Signup and view all the answers

How does Niamh describe the people at Albans Depot?

Poorer and kindlier. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vivian's Ghosts

Vivian's "ghosts" refer to all the significant figures from her past who have impacted her life.
In death, these ghosts provide her with the emotional comfort and protection they couldn't offer during their lives.
They urge her to continue moving forward in life, giving her strength and motivation.

Molly's Foster Care Experience

Molly's foster parents are Ralph and Dina, with Ralph being a troubled teen who found support through the Big Brother program.
Dina's job as a dispatcher makes her irritable, leading to stress for Molly due to minor issues causing her to react strongly.
Molly copes with feeling out of place at her new school by adopting a goth persona as a protective barrier.

Relationships and Trust

Molly develops a budding friendship with Jack, a classmate who tries to understand her goth persona and eventually manages to make her smile.
Molly feels her goth persona is restrictive because it inhibits her ability to trust others and form connections.
Ralph and Molly's contrasting family backgrounds showcase different dynamics in their upbringings.

Crime and Consequences

Molly faces suspicion from Dina after being accused of stealing a book, which leads to community service as a form of punishment.
She is caught due to an anti-theft device in the book, highlighting the oversight in her actions.
Molly expresses disdain for the instability in her foster care life, feeling constantly uprooted and dependent on others.

Vivian's Home and Background

Vivian lives in a large Victorian home in Maine, having resided there for over 20 years after moving from Minnesota where she operated a department store with her husband.
The attic of Vivian's house, a central place where Molly must work, is located on the third floor and has not been tidied in two decades.

Emotional Appeals and Character Bias

The author uses pathos to convey the sense of heartbreak and betrayal that Molly experiences, particularly linked to her father's death.
Ralph's bias against the foster system influences his opinions on Molly's situation, contrasting with Molly's negative perceptions of foster care.

Niamh's Story

Niamh, the young version of Vivian, immigrated from Ireland seeking a better life in America, driven by tales of abundant jobs.
She fears her family's stability will deteriorate in America due to her father's drinking and her mother's depression.
After losing her family in a fire, Niamh grapples with feelings of being a societal burden, despite still being important to others.

Survival and Community

Niamh's physical traits, like red hair and freckles, may hinder her chances of being placed in a foster home.
On the orphan train, children like Niamh face harsh realities, with no assurance of kind treatment from potential families.
The process of being selected by families feels objectifying to Niamh, comparing it to livestock at a show.

Final Thoughts

The author's audience appears to be orphans, aiming to express the struggles they face and conveying empathy for their plight.
Themes of attachment, family dynamics, and emotional resilience are woven throughout the narrative, creating a poignant exploration of the characters' lives.

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Description

Explore the emotional landscape of Vivian and Molly as they navigate their unique experiences with the past and present. Vivian's ghosts offer her comfort, while Molly grapples with trust issues stemming from her foster care experience. Delve into their relationships and personal growth in this insightful quiz.