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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. When does Petrus get upset when he visits Kristina?

2. What does Ulrika's husband do?

3. Why was Petrus punished in Sweden?

4. What does Karl say about their food supply?

5. What is one of the inventions the newspaper writes about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Kristina's best friend, where does she live and what does Kristina decide to do concerning her friend?

2. How does Karl react when Robert responds to Karl's accusations and what does Robert do in response?

3. How does Kristina relate her worry to God?

4. How does Kristina feel when she realizes she is pregnant again, how many children has she had and what has happened to the two who died?

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

6. What does Ulrika say to Kristina about the way she works and how does Kristina respond?

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

8. 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?

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

10. Why does Kristina take note of Njord at Ulrika's party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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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