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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. Kristina is pregnant with her ______________ child.

2. How does Karl feel about being rejected by the army?

3. Why is Kristina anxious for the apples to ripen?

4. A sand cliff on the west shore of Lake Chisago is shaped like _____________________.

5. Who offers to accompany Kristina to the doctor?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Karl conflicted between his civic duty and his wife's pleas regarding his decision to enlist for war?

2. What is the premise of "The Last Letter Home"?

3. What does the Indian cliff symbolize in the story?

4. How does Karl's rational side emerge when Civil War breaks out in America?

5. How do Karl and Kristina differ on the religious aspects of killing in the war?

6. What topic does Ulrika bring up to Karl one day which embarrasses him?

7. What are the circumstances in which Karl and Kristina become intimate again?

8. What are Kristina's beliefs about the way white Christians treat the Indians?

9. What does Jonas Petter's admonition to Sven about moving to Meeker County foreshadow?

10. How do Karl and Kristina differ in their views when Karl is rejected by the army?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Moberg's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 2

Moberg uses beautifully descriptive language in the book to help his readers see the world from his perspective. Without referring to the book, describe America using only your recall of Moberg's descriptions. How do you visualize rural life in 1860-1890 Minnesota now that you have read Moberg's "The Last Letter Home"?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Karl Oskar. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What kind of life does he live? What motivates him during his lifetime?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 930 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample