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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. How did Van end his letters in "The Way of Grief?"

2. What did Van see on his way to the hospital in "The Deathly Snows?"

3. What did Davy say when she slipped into a coma?

4. When did Van work on the Illumination of the Past?

5. What advice did C.S. Lewis give Van after Davy's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Van become jealous of Davy's religious practices in "The Barrier Breached?"

2. What did Davy keep with her in the hospital when she returned the second time?

3. What was the Illumination of the Past?

4. What did Van realize about Davy's barter with God in "The Deathly Snows?"

5. What happened to Joy's health?

6. What does Van's poem about Halloween say?

7. What happened when Davy slips into a coma?

8. What shocked Van about Virginia after staying at Oxford?

9. What made Van think of the Grey Goose in "The Way of Grief?"

10. How did Van reflect on time in "The Severe Mercy?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the theme of time as it is presented in the book. What lesson is provided by examining time in the text?

Essay Topic 2

How are rituals a theme in this book? What do rituals do for people? What is the author saying about the power of rituals?

Essay Topic 3

Sailing is a dream of Van's and referenced often. Explore the symbolism of sailing and life on the sea. How does this symbol help develop the book?

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