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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. What small gift does Asta buy for herself in town?

2. What does Bjartur do for the first time in the summer of Section 2?

3. What happens to Gullbra?

4. What does the family name their cow in Section 2?

5. What is Part II of the novel called?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Section 1, how are the conversations between the men and women different on Bjartur and Rosa's wedding day?

2. Who is Gullbra and what happens to her in Section 1?

3. As the start of Section 2, what secret does Nonni reveal to his Granny?

4. What does Bjartur find when he comes back to Summerhouse after he is out searching for Gullbra, in Section 1?

5. The novel opens with a story of Kolumkilli. Why would the author open with this story?

6. How is the Bailiff of Myri's wife described in Section 1?

7. What is the state of Summerhouse by the end of Section 2?

8. Who is Bukolla and how does she impact the family in Section 2?

9. How does Rosa describe Summerhouse when she first sees it in Section 1?

10. How does the relationship between Asta Sollilja and Bjartur change over the course of Section 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Section One, on his wedding day Bjartur says, "In a way sheep and men are one" (32). Analyze the means of this quote. How does it symbolize the connection that Bjartur feels to his animals? Why would he think that animals and man are the same?

Essay Topic 2

Consider the role of mysticism in the novel. How are superstitions, legends, and ghosts all expressed in the novel and what is their impact on the characters?

Essay Topic 3

Select one of the many songs or poems in the novel and analyze its meaning.

(see the answer keys)

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