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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 happens to Asta on the walk back to Summerhouse in Section 2?

2. What is Book One titled?

3. What is the name of the river that Bjartur is pulled into in Section 1?

4. Who donated the cow to the family?

5. What question does the bookseller ask Asta?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Bjartur tell the Bailiff about Asta Sollilja in Section 2?

2. The novel opens with a story of Kolumkilli. Why would the author open with this story?

3. How does the Madam of Myri compare the townsmen from the country men in Section 1?

4. What does Bjartur find when he comes back to Summerhouse after he is out searching for Gullbra, in Section 1?

5. As the start of Section 2, what secret does Nonni reveal to his Granny?

6. What do Bjartur and Rosa argue about on their way back to Summerhouse in Section 1?

7. How is the title of Section 2 ironic?

8. Who is Gullbra and what happens to her in Section 1?

9. Who is Gunvor?

10. What does Bjartur tell Asta Sollilja about Rosa in Section 2, and is he being honest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the introduction of the Cooperative Society in Iceland impact that novel?

Essay Topic 2

Bjartur desires independence above all else. How does this blind desire for independence negatively impact his life?

Essay Topic 3

How does the theme of "self vs. community" manifest in the novel?

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