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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. To whom is Robert attracted while on board the ship?

2. What reminds the peasants of what they have left behind?

3. How many people must sleep in the same family compartment as Kristina?

4. What are the peasants unaccustomed to?

5. Karl learns that the most fertile land in America is in which state?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the peasants fill their idle hours on ship?

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

3. How does time become an important element in the peasants' lives?

4. How deeply is Kristina affected by seasickness?

5. Describe the long night during which Karl Oskar tends to the very ill Kristina.

6. What renews the passengers' loyalty to Sweden and the life they left behind?

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

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

9. What temptation makes this leg of the journey especially difficult for Karl Oskar?

10. Why does Robert begin to question his decision to make the journey to America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Moberg's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of the quest for a better life will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the quest for a better life throughout the book.

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