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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 does the cardinal say Jesus responded to the first question from the spirit?

2. What is the second thing Jesus was tempted with?

3. Who will finish the new Tower of Babel?

4. What does Alyosha accuse the inquisitor of?

5. What does the grand inquisitor say Jesus wishes from people?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the people believe the clergy is doing for them?

2. What was the second temptation put to Jesus?

3. What does Alyosha agree about Ivan's story?

4. What was the third temptation of Jesus by the spirit in the wilderness?

5. Why does the grand inquisitor say the freedom Jesus gives people is cruel?

6. How will the church finish the Tower of Babel that man has built?

7. Why does the grand inquisitor accuse Jesus of only caring for the strong?

8. Why does the clergy deceive the people?

9. Why does the grand inquisitor think men fear freedom?

10. Why does the grand inquisitor value the weak?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write about Alyosha's purpose in the narrative. What role does the author choose for him to play? What effect does his existence have on the narrative? Give at least one example to explain your thinking.

Essay Topic 2

Why does the grand inquisitor say that man is afraid of conscience? How could this conscience be seized? How could it be used by the church if they came to control it as predicted by the grand inquisitor?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Alyosha disbelieve the grand inquisitor's character? What does Alyosha believe about the church? What do Alyosha's reactions to Ivan's story reveal about him? When the brother's part what is Alyosha thinking or feeling?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 847 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample