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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 does the grand inquisitor say Jesus would do if he really loved humanity?

2. What mystery does Ivan say is guarded?

3. What does Alyosha accuse the inquisitor of?

4. How long does the grand inquisitor say it had been since the church followed Jesus' teachings?

5. Why does the grand inquisitor say that Jesus didn't love people at all?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the grand inquisitor think man's rebellious nature will lead to?

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

3. Why does the clergy deceive the people?

4. What was the third temptation of Jesus by the spirit in the wilderness?

5. Why does the grand inquisitor say the freedom Jesus gives people is cruel?

6. Who does the church follow instead of Jesus?

7. Why does the grand inquisitor accuse Jesus of only caring for the strong?

8. What do the people believe the clergy is doing for them?

9. According to the grand inquisitor, what would have happened if Jesus had changed the stones into bread?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does the grand inquisitor say that man is afraid of conscience? How could this conscience be seized? How could it be used by the church if they came to control it as predicted by the grand inquisitor?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Is the grand inquisitor's motivation to help the prisoner? Does he care about the prisoner or have any sympathy for him? What is his motivation in arresting the prisoner? Why does he come to the prisoner's cell and why does he come secretly at night?

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This section contains 814 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample