Topic > Orphan Train Analysis by Christina Kline

The Nielsens were just the right family to finally pick up Dorothy. They honestly saw her not just as a friend or a worker, but as family, as their daughter. When Mr. Nielsen said, "It would mean a lot to us if you took Vivian's name." we consider you our daughter, not legally yet, but we implore you to think of you that way. And we hope you implore us to think of us as your parents,'” gave birth to a new, more mature young adult. Vivian was an intelligent and very goal-oriented girl. Mr. Nielsen's business guidance and help play an important role in the young woman's development. Vivian is a girl who can relate to Molly. Molly herself is named after Molly Molasses, a famous Penobscot Indian (Kline 133). She is an independent and stubborn teenager. The two women, both young at the same time, may differ in many ways, but they can surprisingly relate in many more ways than originally intended. Molly's name, "Molly Molasses," comes from the Penobscot Indians and represents how the Indians packed everything of value into their canoes and helped everything above their heads travel. It was just as if the only possession that the two girls had since childhood was the necklace that they both always wear and travel