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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. What are souls on the sixth step granted, according to St. John?

2. Once a soul has received the love from God after the dark night, it will only want to do what, as described by St. John?

3. The author writes that the yearning for God will leave the soul in what state?

4. According to St. John, on what step does the soul seek to do something worthy of God without any favor from God?

5. What happens at the same time the soul is yearning for God in Book II, Chapter XI?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How can a soul reach the sixth step on the secret ladder, as written in Book II, Chapter XX? What do men receive while on this step?

3. How does St. John of the Cross use Mary Magdalene as an example of a soul passing through the second night of darkness?

4. How can the soul experience the presence of God while in the dark night, as described by the author in Book II, Chapter XIII?

5. What are the three properties the soul gains after passing the dark night, as described in Book II, Chapter XXV?

6. In Book II, Chapter XVI, why does the author say that it is necessary for man to learn to walk in the darkness?

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

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

9. How can a soul reach the final step on the secret ladder? What happens on this step?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are ten steps on the secret ladder of spirituality, as described by St. John in Dark Night of the Soul. The soul begins to climb this ladder after passing the dark night. Respond to the following questions with examples that support your answer:

1) From where does the imagery of the spiritual ladder come?

2) What are the ten steps on the ladder?

3) How does a soul reach the last step on the ladder? What does that say about the divine properties of the ladder?

Essay Topic 2

While a believer is on the secret ladder of spirituality, the soul must wear a disguise. St. John is very specific in his depiction of the disguise and its purpose. Respond with supporting examples to the following:

1) What is the purpose of the disguise the soul wears while on the ladder? Can a soul reach unity with God without wearing a disguise?

2) List and define the different layers of the disguise as related by St. John.

3) What do each color and layer of the disguise represent?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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