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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 will the man do to contact Chris?

2. Where does Chris see Ian trying to comfort Ann?

3. What are the masterpieces on Earth?

4. How is a person's state of mind when s/he dies?

5. What allows for a clean break from the body?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Chris do to find Ann and help her?

2. What can Albert do and how would you feel about that?

3. Why do you think Chris keeps staying around the Earth plane when it is so frustrating and sad to see Ann's grief?

4. Who does Chris encounter in the hospital halls and what do you think the fog represents?

5. What is the frame in which Chris' story is written?

6. Describe Chris' experience in the hospital when his soul first leaves his body.

7. What does Chris want to do at Summerland?

8. What happens when Chris gets to his home? Why do you think he doesn't realize he is dead?

9. What is the main thing that bothers Chris about his death and subsequent life in Summerland?

10. Why does Chris lie down at his home and does this make sense to you?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chris learns that Albert keeps track of certain family members who have died; that families do not have the same ties in Summerland as they do on earth. Discuss the following:

1. How does Chris react when he learns that relationships in Summerland (Heaven) are similar as on Earth?

2. Do you think relationships would be different from or similar to the way one's relationships are on Earth (assume for the moment that there is life after death, even if you do not believe it)?

3. Even though relationships in Summerland are similar to that on Earth, do you think Chris could change the relationship with his father if Chris wanted to? What about if the father is unwilling?

Essay Topic 2

In the Introduction, a clairvoyant has gone to the home of the protagonist's brother, Robert, to deliver a manuscript she claims Robert's deceased brother, Chris, dictated to her from the spirit realm. Discuss the following:

Why do you think Matheson chooses to frame his novel with the story about the clairvoyant and the manuscript?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of framing the story this way?

Do you think the frame device is the most effective way to tell Chris's story? Why or why not?

What is another way Matheson could have structured the story? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of that way?

Essay Topic 3

When Chris finally lets go, he finds a feeling of peace. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think letting go resulted in peace for Chris?

2. Do you think letting go and finding peace is a metaphor for some aspects of life?

3. How does Ann finally "let go"?

(see the answer keys)

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