Orphan Train

Molly’s protective symbols include her turtle tattoo and the charms on the necklace given to her by her father. How does Molly’s vision of these symbols evolve, or not, through her life experiences in the novel.

Jack provides a stabilizing force for Molly, yet at several points she accuses him of acting like a “mom” instead of a boyfriend. How does Jack act like a mom? How does Jack act like a “boyfriend”? Explain how Jack’s behavior conforms to a masculine ideal or not. You must also include a discussion of his relationship with his mother, Terry.

In many ways, Dutchy is not a “typical” man of his time. For example, he encourages Vivian to finish college, and Vivian continues to work throughout their marriage. How does Dutchy’s childhood affect his beliefs about what appropriate roles are for men and women? How does Vivian’s childhood similarly affect her beliefs about her role, and Dutchy’s role, in their marriage? Explain.

How does Molly grow throughout the novel? Show the development of her character as she matures through at least three transformational moments. These moments can be insights she reports or conversations with another character.

Why do Molly and Vivian become friends? What does Molly learn from her friendship with Vivian? What does Vivian learn from her friendship with Molly?

Do you believe, as Vivian does, that ghosts inhabit daily life? Explain the consequences for Vivian of this belief. Explain how Molly’s view of ghosts is similar or different. What does each woman mean by the term “ghosts”?

Vivian changes significantly in the modern-day portion of the novel. She says that everything that matters in her life happened before she was 23. Is she correct? In what ways is she right? In what ways is she wrong

Kline seems to suggest that the trauma of abandonment in childhood, whether through death, mental illness, or drug addiction, causes permanent damage to children. How does she demonstrate that such children can heal, survive, and lead authentic, emotionally satisfying lives? Explain in terms of both Vivian and Molly’s lives in this novel. You may use outside psychological research, or historical research into the orphan train riders, to support your ideas.