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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. Why does Karl have Johan run alongside the wagon?

2. What does Kristina wonder about the Swedes who continue to settle the land around them?

3. What does Karl continue to track over the years?

4. Why is Johan incoherent?

5. Who is Judit?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ulrika feel about having a baby girl?

2. How do Robert and Arvid get trapped in the desert?

3. How does Robert get money from Mario and what does he do immediately after Mario's death?

4. Where does Karl plan to take the grain, why is he taking it there and who is going with him?

5. What happens when Kristina asks Erland to provide sacrament for her family?

6. What happens in front of the house when Karl arrives home with his new friend, and what is Karl's explanation about the incident?

7. What does Kristina ask her uncle, Danjel, about, what is his response and what does she do about his response?

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

9. What has happened to Kristina that makes her worry and wonder how Karl will react?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The reader learns that Robert had been fleeing a life in which he was subservient to others. This seems more in keeping with his personality than do Robert's claims that he wanted to seek his fortune in California. Robert also does not seem to want to work hard.

1. How would Robert's personality possible be the type of personality of very good entrepreneurs? Discuss the character or personality traits with the types of skills an entrepreneur might need. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

2. Discuss why a person like Robert might be called an under-achiever. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

3. What kinds of work do you think a person like Robert might do in the present time? Why would you chose those types of work? Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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