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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 do the passengers seem to miss on their journey?

2. What does Karl Oskar think he can change?

3. What had the elderly man who died brought with him to take to his son?

4. The passengers on the ship are separated by ______________________.

5. Robert talks to a man on board who claims to be ___________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Karl Oskar's mindset when it is learned that Kristina is bleeding from scurvy?

2. How is the ship a symbol for its passengers?

3. Describe the lice infestation on ship and why Ulrika may be the only one who does not get them.

4. How does Inga Lena's funeral prompt the captain to give his philosophy on life and death?

5. To what does Kristina compare her conditions on the ship?

6. Who seems to be the happiest on the sea voyage?

7. What is Karl Oskar's mindset, even in the face of adversity and disapproval from others, regarding his journey?

8. How do the family members cope with the first storm they encounter at sea?

9. What does Robert learn about his friend, Frederik, on the ship?

10. What illness does Kristina get after her bout with sea sickness and why is she concerned for her children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Poverty take on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for Karl Oskar's life. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, and socialization. Will he ever return to Sweden?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

(see the answer keys)

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