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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. Why did Davy start praying with the other patients when she was in the hospital for the second time?

2. What upset Van about his letters to Davy in "Epilogue: The Second Death?"

3. What did Van see on his way to the hospital in "The Deathly Snows?"

4. Why does Van say he offered his own life for Davy's goodness in "The Severe Mercy?"

5. What did Davy offer in return for Van's soul in "The Barrier Breached?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Van's poem about Halloween say?

2. How did Van compare seeing the "Davies" to a novel?

3. Why was Davy's death described as a "severe mercy?"

4. What happened to Joy's health?

5. How did Van reflect on time in "The Severe Mercy?"

6. What vision of Davy did Van have in "Epilogue: The Second Death?"

7. How did Lewis respond to Van's attempt to disown Christ in "The Way of Grief?"

8. Why did Davy bargain with God in "The Barrier Breached?"

9. Why did Van become jealous of Davy's religious practices in "The Barrier Breached?"

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are rituals a theme in this book? What do rituals do for people? What is the author saying about the power of rituals?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Explore the theme of time as it is presented in the book. What lesson is provided by examining time in the text?

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This section contains 603 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample