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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. A sand cliff on the west shore of Lake Chisago is shaped like _____________________.

2. What does Kristina sew for Karl on her new sewing machine?

3. What crop is Karl Oskar ready to plant as news of the war comes?

4. To what town does Karl go to sign up for the army?

5. What is the main reason Kristina doesn't want Karl to go to war?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Manda Svensson's moral dilemma regarding the baptism of her son and what advice does Kristina give her?

3. What are the circumstances in which Karl and Kristina become intimate again?

4. How do Karl and Kristina differ in their views of what her new pregnancy means?

5. How is Karl conflicted between his civic duty and his wife's pleas regarding his decision to enlist for war?

6. How does Karl's rational side emerge when Civil War breaks out in America?

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

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

9. What advice does Danjel give to Kristina about her prayers to God?

10. What is Pastor Stenius' stance on where his religious powers reside and what role does he play in the disruption of the settlers and their religious beliefs?

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

How does Moberg use the literary technique of local color in "The Last Letter Home"? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Swedish establishments, in the characters, and in the events.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the role of the family in "The Last Letter Home". What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How do all the white settlers become a family of sorts? How are they bound like a family is bound together? Why is this bond stronger than natural ones in some cases?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,101 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample