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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 time did Nicholas receive the call that his son had died?

2. Which of Eric's belongings did the undertaker return that were unscathed?

3. What did Eric spend summers doing while in college?

4. How old was Eric when he nearly died because he would not admit that he could not swim?

5. What did Claire read at the funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Nicholas say that the family took Eric for granted?

2. Describe the liturgy used at Eric's funeral.

3. What does Nicholas say should be said or done with someone who is suffering?

4. Why did Eric climb the mountain alone?

5. What would Nicholas do if the clock could be turned back?

6. Why would Nicholas get angry with Eric?

7. What gave Eric delight in his later years?

8. How did Nicholas learn that his son died?

9. What gave Eric trouble in human relationships?

10. What does Nicholas say it is to be human?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss why loss produces a sense that something has ended, using examples from the book to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Using examples from the book, discuss how God suffers, based on Nicholas' religious beliefs and the texts referenced.

Essay Topic 3

Using examples from "Lament for a Son," discuss how Nicholas believes the family can live faithfully and authentically now that Eric is gone.

(see the answer keys)

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