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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 Chapter Three, why does the author conclude he wants H. back?

2. What does the author think it means if human suffering is unnecessary?

3. About what/whom have the author's notes been throughout the book?

4. What does the author suspect is the real answer to reality?

5. In Chapter Four, what does the author suddenly feel walking through nature?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lewis mean when he writes that all reality is iconoclastic? How does this statement relate to Lewis's thoughts about his love for H.?

2. What human conditions does Lewis admit that he can never fully examine?

3. In what way does Lewis's previous acceptance of death and mourning alter with H.'s death?

4. At the beginning of Chapter Three, when does Lewis acknowledge that he does not think about H.? What is life like when Lewis is not thinking about H.?

5. Toward what does Lewis turn when he becomes overwhelmed by feelings?

6. In Chapter Three, what does Lewis come to see about his love for H. and his faith in God?

7. At nearly the end of the book, what kind of answer does Lewis receive from God? Briefly, explain what the answer means.

8. What is the difference between how Lewis felt at the beginning of the book and how he feels at the end of his reflections?

9. What question does Lewis ask to begin to reason his way through his pain? How does this question lead Lewis onto new ground?

10. What does Lewis want when it comes to reality vs. ideas about reality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does Lewis mean in Chapter Two when he writes, "Heaven is a state where 'the former things have passed away'"? What has passed away? What is the "Heaven" to which Lewis refers? What prompts Lewis's reflections on his desires to have H. back? Cite any quotes used in the text.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Lewis reflects that people other than his children are having trouble coping with Lewis's grief. He describes various instances and impressions that leave him with distinct opinions about those who grieve.

1) Whom does Lewis encounter that he believes have uncomfortable responses to his obvious agony? Provide general as well as specific examples.

2) How do the people about whom Lewis writes respond to him? Be specific, detailing who and how they respond.

3) What does Lewis conclude about people who are grieving and their place in society?

(see the answer keys)

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