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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. According to St. John, what two states does a person have to pass through to realize a state of perfection with God?

2. What is St. John's purpose in using repetition throughout Dark Night of the Soul?

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

4. How does the author compare God's trail as He leads the soul on the journey through the dark night?

5. What does St. John say is the purpose of the garment of faith?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The length of the dark night of spirituality and how much pain a soul has to endure is different for every person. Using supporting examples, please respond with an essay to the following:

1) Why does the duration of the dark night and the amount of pain experienced by a soul vary from person to person?

2) Who has the final say in the duration and intensity of the dark night?

3) What is the fate of a soul who is chosen to have extremely intense darkness?

Essay Topic 2

There are seven points that the author describes about the understanding of divine fire. This fire is special and consumes and purifies the soul at the same time. Use supporting examples to respond to the following:

1) List at least four understandings of divine fire that St. John describes in Dark Night of the Soul.

2) How is divine fire of the soul similar to a log burning in a real fire?

3) How does the comparison of divine fire to a real fire illustrate the concept of a soul burning in purgatory?

Essay Topic 3

The soul becomes transformed after passing through the dark night and starts to yearn and becomes overwhelmed with the power and depth of God. Answer the following with supporting examples:

1) How does the soul act after receiving a love for God after passing through the dark night?

2) Why does the soul enter into a restless state after understanding the power of God's love?

3) Why would the soul miss the spirit of God if it were ever to leave?

(see the answer keys)

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