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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The use of the term "dark night" throughout Dark Night of the Soul by St. John is an example of what?
(a) A metaphor.
(b) An acronym.
(c) A homonym.
(d) A paraphrase.

2. When the souls on earth are purged, with what do they become infused, according to Book II, Chapter XII?
(a) Guilt and suffering.
(b) Love and wisdom.
(c) Grace and redemption.
(d) Freedom and pain.

3. In what kind of way would the soul respond to God's love if the senses were not numbed?
(a) Joyous.
(b) Grateful.
(c) Deceitful.
(d) Impure.

4. What step of the ladder feels like heaven on earth?
(a) Fourth.
(b) First.
(c) Eighth.
(d) Ninth.

5. For whom is the ninth step on the ladder reserved, according to Book II, Chapter XX?
(a) Perfect.
(b) Female.
(c) Sinful.
(d) Male.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what is the soul enveloped before passing through the dark night?

2. What does a believer wear to protect his thoughts from the desires of the world?

3. What is the main topic of discussion in Book II, Chapter XV?

4. What is the term given to a spiritual experience beyond words?

5. The author says that the first step on the ladder is similar to the way a person acts when they are in the early stage of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. From where does St. John say the image of the spiritual ladder is derived?

2. In Book II, Chapter XIX, what happens on the first three steps of love on the secret ladder?

3. In Book II, Chapter XV, why does the soul praise the darkness that causes so much pain?

4. In Book II, Chapter XII, how does the desire of God influence understanding and love on a believer passing through the dark night?

5. What does St. John explain about his poem, "Stanza of the Soul," in Book II, Chapter XXII?

6. How does a purifying fire of love affect the souls of humans and angels in relation to a closeness with God as described by the author?

7. How is this unification achieved with God, according to Book II, Chapter XXIV?

8. What does St. John say happens on the fourth step of love of the secret ladder? Why does the soul not want favor from God?

9. How does St. John conclude his book in the final chapter?

10. How does St. John describe the trail that God walks as He leads the soul on its journey through the darkness?

(see the answer keys)

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