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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. In what month is Karl's oak stand cleared?

2. Kristina tells Karl that she dreamed she was in ___________________.

3. Kristina's dream transitions from a pleasant situation to one in which she ________________________.

4. Why does Karl refuse to leave his farm?

5. What item does Klas Albert convince Karl to buy for the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ulrika's true reason for giving the bridal crown to the village church?

2. Why does Karl not evacuate to town when the other settlers are doing so?

3. What is the toll on the settlers during the Sioux Indian war?

4. How does the changing Indian cliff serve as a metaphor for the sorrows of the Sioux Indians?

5. What is Kristina's state of mind during her illness and why does Karl not tell her about the ringing church bells?

6. What does Karl learn about why Klas Albert had paid for the wheat shipment back to Sweden?

7. How many Sioux Indians did President Lincoln pardon, and how did the remaining 38 behave on the way to the gallows?

8. Why does Karl decide to send wheat back to Sweden and why does he send his best crop?

9. How does Karl embarrass his sons sometimes when he speaks now that he is older?

10. What is the state of Kristina's health after three days and how does she behave that frightens Karl?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Moberg is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Moberg uses beautifully descriptive language in the book to help his readers see the world from his perspective. Without referring to the book, describe America using only your recall of Moberg's descriptions. How do you visualize rural life in 1860-1890 Minnesota now that you have read Moberg's "The Last Letter Home"?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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