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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. Why can the body suffer so much more than the mind, according to the author?

2. What does the author conclude is God's nature?

3. What does the author suspect is the real answer to reality?

4. Who does the author think might have a special ability for the miracle of love?

5. What did the Incarnation achieve, according to the author?

Short Essay Questions

1. What human conditions does Lewis admit that he can never fully examine?

2. Toward what does Lewis turn when he becomes overwhelmed by feelings?

3. What does Lewis write that his notes ultimately have been about?

4. What hopeful similes does Lewis use to describe a moment he experiences one night?

5. What does Lewis want when it comes to reality vs. ideas about reality?

6. In addition to a sword, what other metaphor does Lewis use to describe H. to establish a balanced view?

7. What does Lewis mean when he writes that all reality is iconoclastic? How does this statement relate to Lewis's thoughts about his love for H.?

8. What choices does Lewis think that people have when it comes to their ideas about God?

9. What does Lewis reflect can withstand suffering better, the body or the mind? Briefly explain.

10. What are Lewis's reflections about images in the fourth chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Before H. died, what were her nearly last words to Lewis? How do those words compare with words of consolation that Lewis hears after H.'s death? Who does Lewis believe and why? If H.'s words were true, what does it mean for her continuing in God's hands? Describe Lewis's feelings about a God in whose hands Lewis sadly finds his departed wife.

Essay Topic 2

Lewis begins his reflections in the midst of great pain. His wife, H., has died. Describe three examples of Lewis's pain, as he describes it throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the different ways that Lewis considers God. Specify each of Lewis's characterizations of God and what each means to Lewis. With which, if any, of Lewis's characterizations about God does Lewis end the book?

(see the answer keys)

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