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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 does Karl think would increase his harvest?

2. What does Kristina notice when Karl is leaving for Taylor Falls?

3. With whom did Ulrika travel to America?

4. When does Kristina give birth to her girl?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What dream does Kristina have about a baby and how does she feel about the dream?

2. Why is Kristina better able to take care of her family?

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

4. How does Arvid die?

5. What are two hardships that happen in 1857 and how do they affect Karl and his family?

6. For what is Jonas famous and what does he tell Karl?

7. How do Robert and Arvid set off for California from St. Louis?

8. What does Karl tell Robert about the money and what is Robert's response?

9. Why is someone pounding at Kristina and Karl's door in the night and who is it?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Settlers.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Settlers. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Settlers. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Settlers based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Settlers is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that The Settlers is primarily for entertainment changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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