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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. Which character falls ill with fever in Chapter 7?

2. When Håkan wakes up next to a dead animal, to what cause does he attribute the animal's cause of death?

3. In what century is the novel In the Distance set?

4. What substance does Håkan use to protect his skin from the sun?

5. The Brennans are surprised by what aspect of the prices they encounter once on land?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Håkan's first summer away from his family comes to a close, what is said to be "all Håkan could think of" (40)?

2. Describe the distinctive opening of Chapter 6 and its use of sensory details.

3. Describe Håkan's family situation, as it is depicted once the body of the narrative begins.

4. How does the theme of delusion enter the narrative after Håkan's escape from the dragoon and the woman with the diseased gums?

5. Describe Håkan's experiences in Clangston.

6. What similarity between Native American and Swedish culture does Håkan identify?

7. What method does Håkan's father Erik use to obtain the money to send his sons to America?

8. How does Håkan feel about his older brother Linus?

9. Describe the striking opening image of In the Distance.

10. How does Håkan finally escape from Clangston?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Determine the ways in which Diaz’s novel In the Distance displays the characteristics of the literary style of Naturalism.

Essay Topic 2

Explicate the theme of hope within In the Distance. What is Diaz’s message regarding hope and how do you know?

Essay Topic 3

What message does Diaz send within the pages of In the Distance concerning the theme of compassion?

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