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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. Who does Nicholas say "scarcely looks ahead; his plans are cautious, few, short-term"?

2. When was the liturgy used at Eric's funeral composed?

3. What did one of Eric's brothers place on the coffin?

4. On page 47, to what did memories lead Nicholas?

5. What color hair did Eric have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nicholas not want to hear as he grieves?

2. What was the history behind the liturgy that was used at Eric's funeral?

3. What was the dispute over the future direction of architecture?

4. What did Eric look like in his coffin?

5. What was Eric's educational background?

6. Why did Eric climb the mountain alone?

7. How did Nicholas learn that his son died?

8. How did Nicholas feel at the graveside?

9. What does Nicholas conclude when he asks himself if it matters that Eric's thesis was never finished?

10. What does Nicholas say it is to be human?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how and why Nicholas explains that man is a reflection of God, using examples from "A Lament for a Son."

Essay Topic 2

Using examples from the book, discuss the regrets that Nicholas has regarding Eric and how he deals with his regrets.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast what Nicholas and Eric lost because of Eric's premature death.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 696 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample