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

Short Answer Questions

1. Per Hansa thinks that his wife is too _______ for a pregnant woman.

2. Whom is the minister's communion Sunday service sermon about?

3. What does Per Hansa think his wife's strange behavior is caused by?

4. Who asks Tonseten to marry a couple for which he still feels guilt over marrying?

5. What does Per Hansa consider doing while Beret is in labor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Per Hansa. Is he a sympathetic character? Why or why not? What are his major downfalls? Where does he succeed? How do the aspects of his character guide his actions in the book and ultimately decide his fate? Provide examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Isolation and loneliness are important parts of the novel especially in the beginning when the settlers first come to the place where they will live. Discuss the themes of isolation and loneliness in the novel. How are they exhibited in the novel? Are they experienced by any specific characters or are they a universal feeling? How would these themes affect a pioneer family? Provide examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the title of the novel, Giants in the Earth. Who are the "giants" in the earth? What does this label designate? What is the title's relationship to the idea that the Hansa family is used as a means to tell a universal story?

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This section contains 269 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample