View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What book does Madam of Myri send Asta in Section 3?

2. In Section 4, what does Gvendur say is more glorious than America?

3. Why does Asta not accept Gvendur's gift in Section 4?

4. How much money does Nonni send to Iceland for Gvendur?

5. How old is Asta's daughter in Section 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What big news is revealed about Asta Sollilja in Section 3?

2. What does Bjartur do in retaliation for his sheep being killed in Section 3?

3. How does Bjartur treat all the people who come to his home in Section 3?

4. Why does Asta Sollilja come home early from Rauthsmyri in Section 3?

5. Who is Brynja?

6. What strange things happens to the Bjartur's flock of sheep in Section 3?

7. What happens to Bjartur's farm at the end of Section 4?

8. In Conversations with the Higher Power in Section 3, what happens to Bjartur's ewes?

9. While remembering their mother in Section 3, what do the boys remember about the elves?

10. What are the minister's views on the soul, as revealed in Section 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the novel is set in Iceland in the 1930s, there are multiple universal themes in the text that are timeless. Select 2 of these themes and write about how they are expressed in this story and how they are universally understood.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 957 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample