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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. When does Ivan say religiously themed plays, chiefly from the Old Testament, stopped being performed in Moscow?

2. Why does the crowd tremble in obedience to the cardinal?

3. Where is the cardinal when he sees the crowd?

4. Who is Ivan talking about when he says, "He comes on the scene in my poem, but He says nothing, only appears and passes on"?

5. Why does Ivan say the character "Our Lady" falls before the throne of God and beg?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ivan suggest some people's faith in Jesus become stronger?

2. What is the purpose of the spirit's questions to Jesus In the wilderness?

3. What is the "new heresy" Ivan refers to in the "north of Germany?"

4. Why does Ivan repeatedly mention Dante in his preface?

5. How does the little girl feel when she comes back to life?

6. Why does Ivan call Jesus' appearance a visit?

7. Who is the spirit that talks with Jesus in the wilderness?

8. Why doesn't the grand inquisitor want Jesus to add to his teachings?

9. Why didn't Jesus use his powers to control man?

10. What does Alyosha think of the old man's behavior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write about the relationship between the Ivan and Alyosha, do they agree with each other's thinking? Is there love and respect between the brothers?

Essay Topic 2

How do the philosophies of Jesus and the grand inquisitor differ? Compare and contrast the two philosophies.

Essay Topic 3

What is the view on religion and history expressed by Ivan in his literary preface? What historical events does he reference? What religious ideas does he take for granted as he describes the progress of Christian thought? How does he describe this progress?

(see the answer keys)

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