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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. How does Karl feel when he hears the details of how long Kristina has been ill?

2. The family had immigrated and settled in which U.S. state?

3. Kristina is pregnant with her ______________ child.

4. The _______________ does not have the same power in America that it did in Sweden.

5. The First Commandment for Emigrants offers the rule to never regret one's emigration and to ___________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the premise of "The Last Letter Home"?

2. What is the author foreshadowing by writing about Karl's dreams of tilling his oak stand and the mention of the church bells?

3. How do Karl and Kristina differ in their views on the Civil War?

4. What is the argument Karl and Nojd have regarding who really owns Karl's land?

5. How do Karl and Kristina differ on the religious aspects of killing in the war?

6. What is Dr. Farnley's warning for Kristina which Ulrika tells Karl because Kristina is too shy to talk about it?

7. What does Jonas Petter's admonition to Sven about moving to Meeker County foreshadow?

8. What is the irony of Kristina's praying that her children are not left motherless, and the letter Karl receives from his sister?

9. What topic does Ulrika bring up to Karl one day which embarrasses him?

10. When does Karl finally decide to enlist in the war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of man's inhumanity to man will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of man's inhumanity to man throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of struggle. Identify at least two examples about struggle in the book. Then explain how each example supports the theme of struggle.

(see the answer keys)

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