Big Ideas in Orphan Train

Orphan Train contains the theme of the American Dream and how it’s an illusion. Vivian’s family, for example, goes to America with hopes for a new life and an escape from poverty. This dream, however, fails because of how they realize that they are worse off than they were in Ireland. The book also contains the idea of education and its importance. In the book, Vivian really wants to go to school in order to learn. Also, she highly values her ability to read and knows that education is important. Along with that, family also plays a large role in the book. Both Vivian and Molly, for example always feel like they are missing something and are usually outcasts in their foster families. Also, Vivian believes that support from extended family would have helped her and her family when they went to America. She notes that others have succeeded because of support from family.