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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. How does Lewis begin his reflections?

2. How long does the author think his suffering will last?

3. To what does the author compare clinging to the memory of one who has died?

4. How does the author picture the "eternal somethings" that he and H. would be after this life?

5. What does the author conclude it is foolish to expect from the dead?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. Lewis begins to ask a question that becomes central to his reflections. What "disquieting symptom" introduces itself to Lewis in Chapter One?

4. 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.?

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

6. In Chapter Two, how does Lewis introduce the idea of faith? When does Lewis determine that one's beliefs are ultimately tested?

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

8. 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?

9. What does Lewis experience when he finally goes to a place where he and H. had been happy?

10. How does Lewis try to convince himself that he does not mind H.'s death? Provide examples of the things that Lewis tells himself.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

For the first two chapters, Lewis is immersed in emotions, in raw agony. In the third chapter, he takes a significant turn. As Lewis points his ability to reason toward his grief, he begins another stage in the process of his grieving.

1) What questions does Lewis ask about H.'s death and what it means for the whole of life? When Lewis writes about the "problem of the universe," what does he mean?

2) Describe the difference between what Lewis believed before H. died and what he questions after she dies. What is the main difference between the two conditions of belief? What is important about the difference for the possibility of a sane and rational life of faith?

3) Regarding faith, what Lewis believed prior to H.'s death has everything to do with his faith in God and in what he had been taught. How does Lewis think about his faith after H. died?

Essay Topic 2

Lewis must deal with his children as they all struggle through their loss. As Lewis tries to open up to his sons, he is confronted with their great disturbance.

1) How does Lewis attempt to communicate with his children? What topics of conversation does he introduce?

2) How do the children respond to Lewis's advances to build a bridge that connects them? Specify how Lewis interprets the children's responses. Give at least three examples of Lewis's impressions.

3) With what experience does Lewis relate his sons' emotions about their mother's death?

Essay Topic 3

Lewis begins his reflections in the midst of great pain. His wife, H., has died. Describe three examples of Lewis's pain, as he describes it throughout the book.

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