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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. Who does Kristina talk to who is as homesick as she is?

3. Why do the people meeting in Petrus' barn set aside a piece of land?

4. With whom did Ulrika travel to America?

5. What does Ulrika tell Kristina she is going to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Karl get Kristina for Christmas, where did he find it and how did he get it set up on Christmas morning?

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

3. What does Kristina's best friend give her and what does she tell her to do with it on the way home?

4. What did Karl's sister Lydia ask in her letter, what is Karl's fear and what is Kristina's response to his fear?

5. What happens when Kristina decides to plant flowers one day?

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

7. What happens in Minnesota in 1858 and how does it affect Karl and his family?

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

9. What does Kristina suggest to Karl about dinner and what happens when he follows up on the suggestion?

10. How do the children react to their Uncle Robert?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The Settlers is written in the genre of historical fiction. Discuss the following:

1. What sets historical fiction apart from other genres? Discuss several characteristics of historical fiction that are absent in other genres and vice verse.

2. Some people might say that historical fiction is merely for entertainment? Do you agree? Explain.

3. Discuss why The Settlers falls under the genre of historical fiction.

4. Why do you think literary criticism breaks down fiction into genres? Do you think the labeling of genre to a work is useful to a reader? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by this book. Questions that most likely Moberg wanted the readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout The Settlers and discuss Moberg's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

(see the answer keys)

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