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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. Where did Van leave some of Davy's ashes?

2. What did Van say he knows for sure after Davy dies?

3. How does Van decide to honor Davy's memory?

4. When did Van work on the Illumination of the Past?

5. What did Van pray for when he met Joy?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happened when Davy slips into a coma?

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

4. How did Van break "the barrier" in "The Barrier Breached?"

5. How did Van bring together an intellectual Christian group at "Li'l Dreary?"

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

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

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

9. What happened to Joy's health?

10. What made Van stop writing letters to Davy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain what Van and Davy's "shining barrier" is. How do they form it? How is it successful or unsuccessful? What is the purpose of the barrier?

Essay Topic 2

Reflect on three examples of Lewis' writing in the book. Why was each piece written? What is the effect of each piece? How successful is each example of writing?

Essay Topic 3

How is Davy's death a turning point in this book? What things does Davy's death change for Van? How does Davy's death affect the message of the book?

(see the answer keys)

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