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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 gift does Ulrika give Kristina?

2. Why does Karl have Johan run alongside the wagon?

3. What does Ulrika think when she has a daughter?

4. What does Kristina think about her and Karl's spiritual life?

5. About what is Kristina self conscious?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Arvid die?

2. What do Robert and Arvid find out about heading to California from St. Louis when they arrive, and what do they do in St. Louis?

3. Who does Karl meet in the forest and what does he do after he meets the man?

4. How does Robert end up with the four thousand dollars he gave Karl?

5. What did Karl's sister Lydia ask in her letter, what is Karl's fear and what is Kristina's response to his fear?

6. How does Kristina feel about getting pregnant again, why does she feel that way and how does God enter into the picture?

7. How did Robert get to Grand City?

8. What happens in Minnesota in 1858 and how does it affect Karl and his family?

9. Why does Karl take out the money Robert gave him and what does he think when he is looking at it?

10. What does Kristina find under Robert's pillow and what does Karl say when she shows him it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Settlers, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Kristina is no exception.

1. Trace and analyze situations where Kristina demonstrates her fear and hopelessness. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Kristina's character flaws and explain how they create a more complex and believable character. How do you think Kristina's character flaws make some situations more difficult for her?

3. After analyzing Kristina's strengths and weaknesses, decide if Kristina is the "hero" of the story. Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by this book. Questions that most likely Moberg wanted the readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout The Settlers and discuss Moberg's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

(see the answer keys)

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