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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. With whom does Kristina know she will not be close friends?

2. About what is Petrus embarrassed when he goes home with Karl?

3. Why is Karl irked?

4. What does Karl say in the letter about Christmas?

5. Who does Kristina talk to who is as homesick as she is?

Short Essay Questions

1. When did Karl get back from Stillwater in Wildcat Riches and what does he tell Kristina when he gets home?

2. How does Arvid die?

3. Where does Robert go when he leaves the house and what does he imagine for a while?

4. What does Karl write in his letter to his parents?

5. How does Kristina relate her worry to God?

6. 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?

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

8. Who arrives in Center City to open a general store and how does it go for him? How do the women feel about him?

9. What does Ulrika plan to do to present her baby when it is born?

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

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 2

Petrus says that he was exiled from Sweden for his religious beliefs and he touts the need for religious freedom. In reaction, ironically, Petrus becomes completely intolerant of anyone who believes anything other than what he teaches. He eventually tells Kristina that she must end her friendship with Ulrika because of Ulrika's faith in the Baptist denomination.

1. Discuss reasons why someone who is oppressed for beliefs would then become an oppressor. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

2. It is often said the more a belief is oppressed the stronger that belief becomes. Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

3. Discuss in depth why religious freedom might be beneficial to a nation. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think The Settlers is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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