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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. On page 81, whom does Nicholas say that God sent to suffer like mankind?

2. On page 70, what passage of the Bible does Nicholas refer to as a lament in the context of a faith that endures?

3. How do the Biblical writers describe mankind?

4. What were people putting into baskets when Nicholas walked into a store?

5. On page 50, what happens in Nicholas' dream?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Nicholas believe that God reveals himself?

2. How is what the Stoics said different from what Jesus said about mourning?

3. What would Nicholas give for the changes in his character since Eric died?

4. What will Nicholas do with the regrets he has regarding Eric?

5. What metaphor does Nicholas use to explain faith?

6. Why does Nicholas think the death of a child is so painful?

7. Why does Nicholas say God suffers?

8. What has Nicholas become in the world since Eric's death?

9. What is Nicholas convinced of when he reads the New Testament?

10. What are the worst days for Nicholas now that Eric is gone?

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 the struggle that Nicholas had when he tried to return to ordinary life and to his work.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how and why Nicholas explains that man is a reflection of God, using examples from "A Lament for a Son."

(see the answer keys)

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