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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. Where does Per Hansa plan on getting wood for the roof of his house?

2. How many men are in the first group of Norwegian settlers that come to Spring Creek?

3. What is Tonseten's problem with Per Hansa's house as he is building it?

4. Which of the following does NOT describe the physical appearance of Per Hansa?

5. Of what nationality is the large caravan that was the second to arrive at Spring Creek?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Per Hansa's interaction with the Indians in Book 1, Chapter 3. Why do you think he is so concerned about the ailing chief?

2. What business proposition does Torkel Tallaksen present to Per Hansa? What is Per Hansa's response?

3. Why does Per Hansa go to the Indian camp in Book 1, Chapter 3? What does he discover once he gets there?

4. Describe the Hansa family.

5. What does Per Hansa do with the wooden stakes that he discovers? Why? What accounts for the change in Per's demeanor during this time?

6. What does Per Hansa find towards the end of Book 1, Chapter 1? Why is it important and what does it mean for the family?

7. What happens to Hans Olsa in the final chapter of the book?

8. Why does Beret agree with Per Hansa's plans for the house? Does she explain this reasoning to her husband? Why or why not?

9. In Book 1, Chapter 6, we get a glimpse into the mind of Beret Hansa. Why does Beret consider her life at the settlement as a punishment from God?

10. What does the woman who has been tied in the back of the wagon do while she is at Per Hansa's house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme or struggle of man versus man is also present in the novel usually involving the men in the settlement versus men outside the settlement, but there are also struggles within the settlement as well. Discuss the struggles within the novel. How do the men deal with these struggles and how do they get past them? What lessons are learned through these struggles and how do they affect the settlement? Explain using examples.

Essay Topic 2

The men and the women in the novel seem to have very separate and distinct roles in the novel. Describe the different roles in the novel. What are the roles of the men? Are these roles of typical pioneer men? What are the roles of the women? Are these roles of typical pioneer women? How are the men and women separated or characterized in the novel? Provide examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the hardships of pioneer life. What are the hardships faced by the pioneers in the first year? Do the hardships change in subsequent years? Or does the life get any easier? How do the pioneers note their progression or success in their settlements? Explain using examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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