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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Bjorn is asleep what does Inga do with young Agnes?

2. Where does Agnes go after not being able to live in Natan's cowshed, as described in Chapter 11?

3. Who is young Agnes sitting next to immediately after her foster-mother Inga gives birth?

4. What does Fridrik do in order to marry Sigga?

5. Why does Rosa give her daughter to another person?

Short Essay Questions

1. Ravens are a common theme throughout the story. What do the ravens represent in the following scenario? Agnes turned away after finding Fridrik kicking Natan's dead sheep outside. She felt this was only the beginning of a more violent incident to come. "I turned around ... and saw a raven descent upon the sheep. It gave a mournful caw and then plunged its beak into the innards" (267). The ravens brutally attacked an already dead animal right after Agnes sees Fridrik committed the same act.

2. How does Reverend Toti relay his message to Blondal about preparing Agnes for her execution?

3. How does Margret make a rejoinder to Agnes revealing that she has no mother?

4. Why did Natan sleep in Sigga's bed when he knew Agnes was awake?

5. What revelation did Agnes come to after examining her little sister's death?

6. How does Agnes reply to Reverend Toti's absence?

7. How does Agnes approach Natan's work as a medicinal man? Why is her response ironic?

8. What is an example of how Margret begins to trust Agnes and appreciate her knowledge?

9. What is at the crux of the disagreement between Blondal and Reverend Toti about Agnes?

10. In Poet-Rosa's poem to Natan Ketilsson, what overall message does she convey to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Agnes tackles the idea of truth throughout the text; it appears it is a very contentious topic for her. How does she view truth and why do you think she has come to those conclusions? Provide four quotes that prove Agnes' definition of truth.

Essay Topic 2

How does Natan Ketilsson affect Agnes' life for good or bad? Give examples of both, but determine whether his influence is beneficial or detrimental to Agnes' future and sense of self.

Essay Topic 3

When Agnes faces the day of her execution all she wants to do is live, despite the distressing essence of the life she led prior. Why would Agnes become such a different person? Provide three textual pieces that prove she was not afraid of death until execution faced her directly.

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