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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. What object represents the passions of the natural man, according to Book II, Chapter XIV?
(a) A tree.
(b) A church.
(c) A feather.
(d) A house.

2. How many steps are on the ladder of love?
(a) Ten.
(b) Twenty.
(c) Infinite.
(d) A hundred.

3. In what form is the image of the spiritual ladder first found in the Bible?
(a) A dream.
(b) A lie.
(c) A joke.
(d) A nightmare.

4. In Book II, Chapter XVIII, what does the secret ladder assist humans in reaching?
(a) Heaven.
(b) Spiritual understanding.
(c) God's dwelling place.
(d) Forgiveness for the soul.

5. Who does the author use as an example of the yearning for God that takes place in the second night of darkness?
(a) Ruth.
(b) Mary, mother of Jesus.
(c) Mary Magdalene.
(d) Rachel.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the author explain about his work in Book II, Chapter XXII?

2. What is another reason the author gives for the soul traveling through the dark night in concealment?

3. What does the soul do on the sixth step of the ladder of love, according to Book II, Chapter XX?

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

5. What does the author return to explaining in Book II, Chapter XXII?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why must the soul become numb to natural desires to receive God's strength and a union with God, according to Book II, Chapter XVI?

2. In Book II, Chapter XVIII, how does the soul move upon the spiritual ladder?

3. How does the soul speak of being happy by using the symbolism of a house in Book II, Chapter XIV?

4. What does St. John say happens to the soul after it has become enkindled and starts yearning for God? What would happen if the fire were to go away?

5. Why does a soul have to wear a disguise as it ascends the secret ladder?

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

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

9. What did God do with Job during the dark night that allowed the devil access to his life, as explained by the author?

10. What is St. John's explained purpose for writing the book Dark Night of the Soul in Book II, Chapter XXII?

(see the answer keys)

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