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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 does Kristina notice when Karl is leaving for Taylor Falls?

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

3. What does Petrus call foolish?

4. When does Kristina give birth to her girl?

5. What has Karl planted for use in the future for clothing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Kristina feel about getting pregnant again, why does she feel that way and how does God enter into the picture?

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

3. Why is someone pounding at Kristina and Karl's door in the night and who is it?

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. Why does Karl take out the money Robert gave him and what does he think when he is looking at it?

6. What does Karl tell Robert about the money and what is Robert's response?

7. What does Karl tell Kristina after Persson comes to dinner and what does the church warden in Sweden have to do with America?

8. What does Karl want to do about the money and what is Kristina's opinion?

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

10. Where does Robert go when he leaves the house and what does he imagine for a while?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Karl and Robert. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Ulrika and Kristina. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Settlers help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Petrus says that he was exiled from Sweden for his religious beliefs and he touts the need for religious freedom. In reaction, ironically, Petrus becomes completely intolerant of anyone who believes anything other than what he teaches. He eventually tells Kristina that she must end her friendship with Ulrika because of Ulrika's faith in the Baptist denomination.

1. Discuss reasons why someone who is oppressed for beliefs would then become an oppressor. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

2. It is often said the more a belief is oppressed the stronger that belief becomes. Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

3. Discuss in depth why religious freedom might be beneficial to a nation. Use examples from the text and your own knowledge to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Settlers, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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