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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 Ivan say the inquisitor suffers?

2. Why does the cardinal say the clergy keeps silent about the true nature of their power?

3. What is the first question the spirit asks Jesus?

4. What is the third thing Jesus is tempted with?

5. What does Alyosha think the Inquisition's secret aim is?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the grand inquisitor say Jesus refused in the second temptation?

2. What was the second temptation put to Jesus?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does the grand inquisitor add to the first question when he restates it to the prisoner?

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

10. Why does the clergy deceive the people?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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?

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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