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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. About what is Kristina self conscious?

2. What does Karl think he should have done with the turnip ditch?

3. Why is Karl going to Taylor Falls?

4. What does Kristina notice when Karl is leaving for Taylor Falls?

5. What does the person in question #54 do about being homesick?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Karl tell Kristina he won't ask Robert and what happens anyway?

2. How did Robert and Arvid get to St. Louis and what do they find out about where they are headed?

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

4. How do Robert and Arvid set off for California from St. Louis?

5. When did Karl get back from Stillwater in Wildcat Riches and what does he tell Kristina when he gets home?

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

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

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

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

10. How do Robert and Arvid get trapped in the desert?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Robert was running from his problems by leaving for the gold fields. He realized very quickly that no matter how far he ran his character flaws were always there.

1. Running from problems by going somewhere else is called a "geographic cure." Discuss what do you think this means.

2. Do you believe taking the geographic cure is a good idea or a bad idea? Why or why not? Could it be different depending on the circumstance?

3. Discuss two situations that might respond well to a geographic cure and two that wouldn't be helped with on.

Essay Topic 3

The Settlers, like many novels ends on a happy (or at least optimistic) note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Settlers and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Settlers is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,312 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample