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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. In what subjects of study did Eric excel?

2. On page 30, what does Nicholas say was found in Eric's apartment?

3. How many times had the special cloth been used before at other funerals?

4. What was the final hymn at Eric's funeral?

5. Who was on the plane that Nicholas took to Europe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is there a hole in Nicholas' world after Eric's death?

2. What was Eric's educational background?

3. What does Nicholas not want to hear as he grieves?

4. How does Nicholas say that he and the family can live as faithfully and authentically with Eric gone as they did when he was present?

5. What did Eric look like in his coffin?

6. What does Nicholas conclude when he asks himself if it matters that Eric's thesis was never finished?

7. Why did Nicholas feel that it was a cruel mockery that Eric's backpack and boots were unscathed?

8. Why did Eric climb the mountain alone?

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

10. In what way does the world look different to Nicholas after his son's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast what Nicholas and Eric lost because of Eric's premature death.

Essay Topic 2

Using examples from the book, discuss the struggle that Nicholas had when he tried to return to ordinary life and to his work.

Essay Topic 3

Using examples from the book, discuss how Eric's death changed Nicholas.

(see the answer keys)

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