View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Karl going to Taylor Falls?

2. What does Ulrika tell Kristina she is going to do?

3. Why is Johan incoherent?

4. What does Kristina worry about concerning Karl?

5. What does Petrus say about Indian Corn?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Karl's sister Lydia ask in her letter, what is Karl's fear and what is Kristina's response to his fear?

2. Who is Kristina's best friend, where does she live and what does Kristina decide to do concerning her friend?

3. How does Robert end up with the four thousand dollars he gave Karl?

4. How does Karl react when Robert responds to Karl's accusations and what does Robert do in response?

5. What does Ulrika say to Kristina about the way she works and how does Kristina respond?

6. How do the children react to their Uncle Robert?

7. What does Robert tell Kristina about death and predestination?

8. What does Robert do when the two brothers argue about Robert, saying he is wealthy now?

9. What does Karl get Kristina for Christmas, where did he find it and how did he get it set up on Christmas morning?

10. What does Kristina find under Robert's pillow and what does Karl say when she shows him it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by this book. Questions that most likely Moberg wanted the readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout The Settlers and discuss Moberg's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

Essay Topic 2

Petrus says that he was exiled from Sweden for his religious beliefs and he touts the need for religious freedom. In reaction, ironically, Petrus becomes completely intolerant of anyone who believes anything other than what he teaches. He eventually tells Kristina that she must end her friendship with Ulrika because of Ulrika's faith in the Baptist denomination.

1. Discuss reasons why someone who is oppressed for beliefs would then become an oppressor. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

2. It is often said the more a belief is oppressed the stronger that belief becomes. Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

3. Discuss in depth why religious freedom might be beneficial to a nation. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Settlers.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Settlers. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Settlers. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,239 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample