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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How will the author respond to being told the consolations of religion?
(a) He will assume the speaker does not understand.
(b) He will argue from Scripture.
(c) He will be persuaded.
(d) He will be consoled.

2. Who is the main character in the book?
(a) H.
(b) God.
(c) The two sons.
(d) C. S. Lewis.

3. What does the author say happens when we experience any kind of pain?
(a) It pulls us toward it.
(b) We need to share it with others.
(c) We barely notice it.
(d) We run from it.

4. How does the author decide he must consider death?
(a) As a permanent separation.
(b) As God's punishment.
(c) As an illusion.
(d) As a brief parting.

5. What feeling is the author surprised to discover that grief resembles?
(a) Anger.
(b) Confusion.
(c) Fear.
(d) Love.

Short Answer Questions

1. If death is real, what does the author conclude about it?

2. What does Lewis think people who grieve should do?

3. What quality did the author admire so much about H.?

4. Rather than relying upon his memory of his wife, what does the author want?

5. What metaphor does the author use to describe the strength of his belief of H.'s continuing existence?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Lewis feel years ago about a friend's life after death? Contrast that experience with the way that Lewis experiences H. after her death?

2. Lewis is surprised about the way that grief intrudes upon his daily responsibilities. What are some symptoms Lewis experiences about the laziness of grief?

3. Lewis turns to C. with questions about God. How does C. respond to Lewis's thoughts?

4. How does Lewis think people react when they encounter him?

5. What was the most precious gift that marriage to H. had given Lewis? What is Lewis afraid will happen to that gift?

6. What does Lewis find so horrifying about the man he encountered who was tending to his mother's grave? What does Lewis's reaction to the man mean for Lewis's feelings about H.?

7. In what ways does Lewis describe H.'s "noble hunger"? Describe the ways that H.'s "noble hunger" displayed itself in H.'s approach.

8. Lewis decided to record his reflections to get all his feelings and thoughts out. What does Lewis reflect might be a downside to his journal?

9. What does Lewis think that he can say about H.'s continuing? Why is it important for Lewis to work out the issue of where H. is?

10. What do consoling people tell Lewis about where H. is after her death? How does Lewis interpret these attempts to console him?

(see the answer keys)

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