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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 is the name of the river that Bjartur is pulled into in Section 1?

2. What does Reverend Gudmundur bring into the parish in Section 1?

3. What Holiday is mentioned in "The Wedding" in Section 1?

4. What happens to Gunnvor as she grows older as told in Section 1?

5. Who is Gudny?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who is Kolumkilli?

4. How is Asta Sollilja described in Section 2?

5. How is the title of Section 2 ironic?

6. How does Asta Sollilja feel about the Bailiff's proposal of an education in Section 2, and what compromise is reached?

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

8. What is Bruni, in Section 1, and how does it help the farmers?

9. What do Bjartur and Rosa argue about on their way back to Summerhouse in Section 1?

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

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

Analyze the contrast between city life and country life in the novel. What is Laxness saying about each? Which does he suggest is superior and why?

Essay Topic 3

How does the introduction of the Cooperative Society in Iceland impact that novel?

(see the answer keys)

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