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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. The author says the severity of the trials of a person going through the dark night depends on what?

2. In Book II, Chapter IV, what is purged on the second night of darkness?

3. When does the deadening of a person to the presence of sin get refreshed, according to the author?

4. In Book I, Chapter XII, the soul develops a fear of what during the dark night?

5. St. John says that it becomes clear which parts are purified and which are still not purified during what time in the dark night?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author say is the sign that the dark night has begun?

2. How does the author compare the use of fire to the purification process a person experiences during the dark night?

3. In Dark Night of the Soul, what is the difference between habitual imperfections and actual imperfections?

4. As described in Book II, Chapter, I, can a person who has passed through the night of darkness still be afflicted with other periods of darkness? Why?

5. What are some of the benefits described in Book I, Chapter XIII of a soul that has been purified by the dark night?

6. How does a Christian feel during the three kinds of pain that afflict him when the divine and human meet in one during the dark night, according to the author?

7. What happens during the first night of the dark night, as discussed in Book II, Chapter III?

8. In Book I, Chapter XII, what is the main benefit for the soul as it travels through the night of darkness?

9. What is the purpose of the Dark Night of the Soul as described in the prologue?

10. In Book II, Chapter X, how does the divine fire of God teach about the state of souls in purgatory?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Angels are mentioned throughout the text of Dark Night of the Soul and have specific qualities described by St. John. Please respond to the following with examples from the text that support your answer:

1) How are angels portrayed in the text with similar qualities as humans?

2) How does an angel become closer to God in spirituality?

3) What do both angels and humans experience which provides them with a commonality?

Essay Topic 2

The pain that occurs during the dark night is very intense and the author describes three types of pain that happens to the soul during this time. With examples from the text, please respond with examples to the following:

1) What are the three types of pain a soul experiences while going through the dark night of spirituality?

2) What causes this pain to occur?

3) Why is this pain required for the soul in order to emerge from the dark night?

Essay Topic 3

The use of analogies within Dark Night of the Soul is abundant. St. John often re-describes his explanations by comparing the experience with an analogy. By using support from the text, respond with an essay to the following:

1) Name and define at least three analogies used within Dark Night of the Soul.

2) What is the author's purpose in using analogies within his writing? What does the reader gain from reading the analogies?

(see the answer keys)

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