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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 did Van end his letters in "The Way of Grief?"

2. Who did Davy write a poem for in "The Barrier Breached?"

3. What disease did C.S. Lewis suffer from?

4. What did Van send with Davy's letter to C.S. Lewis in "The Way of Grief?"

5. What did Van consider doing in his career the year after Davy dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Lewis talk to Van about his decision not to have children with Davy?

2. What made Van think of the Grey Goose in "The Way of Grief?"

3. What did Van do before sailing back to Virginia in "Epilogue: The Second Death?"

4. What happened when Davy slips into a coma?

5. Why did Van write letters to several friends in "The Way of Grief?"

6. What happened to Joy's health?

7. What did Lewis warn Van about in terms of eternity?

8. What did Van and Lewis decide about a "second death?"

9. How did Van and Davy reunite after breaking their barrier in "The Barrier Breached?"

10. In "The Severe Mercy," what did Van realize would happen if Davy had not died?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sailing is a dream of Van's and referenced often. Explore the symbolism of sailing and life on the sea. How does this symbol help develop the book?

Essay Topic 2

What is the impact of Davy's illness? How is her illness symbolic? How does her illness develop Van at a person? What message does the author convey in Davy's illness?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the relationship between different religious ideas and religions as introduced in this book. Choose three ideologies to focus on. Consider their beliefs, their practices, and the impact of each belief.

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This section contains 612 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample