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

2. What does the author say the soul experiences, even during the dark night?

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

4. In Book II, Chapter XX, what does the soul learn on the tenth step?

5. According to St. John, how many believers will reach the union with God without going through trials?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Book II, Chapter XI, what does the author say the soul will want to do after it has received the love for God?

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

4. 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?

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

6. As discussed in Book II, Chapter XXIV, when will the soul finally find peace and rest? Why?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The knowledge and the experience of the dark night, as well as the ladder of spirituality, are considered secret. These occurrences are even defined as indescribable. With supporting examples, answer the following:

1) Why are the experiences of the dark night and the ladder of spirituality labeled as secret?

2) How does a person learn of the secret things from God? How does God leave no trail of his teachings?

3) Why are there no words to describe the learning the soul gains after passing through the dark night?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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