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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. Who does Karl tell Kristina that the letter is from?

2. Which piece of furniture is Karl especially proud of making?

3. A cliff near a creek strongly resembles ___________________.

4. Robert believes that the Indians have a way of life ____________________.

5. When do Karl and Kristina move into their new home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who loans Karl a cow for the winter, and why is the loan such a blessing to the family?

2. Describe some of the expenditures Karl has in the building of the house.

3. What challenges does Kristina face in feeding her family at their new homestead?

4. Why will Karl not allow Kristina borrow the money to pick up the letter from Sweden?

5. What news does Karl share in a letter to his parents?

6. Why can't Karl pick up the letter that has arrived from Sweden?

7. What differing opinions do Karl, Kristina and Robert each have about Indians?

8. How do Karl and Kristina view the letter from Sweden differently?

9. What is the irony of all the fodder that Karl has available to him now?

10. Describe Robert's harried hunting trip when he spies an Indian in a tree.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Moberg is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Poverty takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for Karl Oskar's life. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, and socialization. Will he ever return to Sweden?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,116 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample