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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. Why does the grand inquisitor say men have fought and killed?

2. Why does the cardinal think people don't want freedom?

3. Why does the inquisitor say the people will allow their tower to be finished?

4. What is the result of Jesus refusal to take power in the world?

5. Who will continue to suffer if the church becomes all powerful?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Alyosha's response to Ivan's poem.

2. How does the grand inquisitor justify lying to people about Jesus and religion?

3. Why does the grand inquisitor say the clergy will suffer?

4. How will the church finish the Tower of Babel that man has built?

5. Why does the grand inquisitor think people will follow the church?

6. How is the church giving people their freedom?

7. Why does Ivan say Catholics don't like Masons?

8. What does Alyosha agree about Ivan's story?

9. What was the second temptation put to Jesus?

10. Why does Jesus deserve to be burned at the stake, according to the grand inquisitor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

According to the grand inquisitor, what effect would Jesus providing bread for all have on the world? What reactions would this cause people to have toward him? Why does the grand inquisitor believe Jesus refused this temptation?

Essay Topic 2

Why does the grand inquisitor ascribe so much value to the questions of temptation asked Jesus? What is the importance of the questions?

Essay Topic 3

Would the inquisitor be happy or unhappy that Jesus has returned? Take into account the historical setting of the story and the popular viewpoints of the time.

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This section contains 906 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample