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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 became Eric's major?

2. In what month did Eric die?

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

4. What was the weather like when Nicholas received the call that Eric died?

5. What was the weather like on the night Eric was born?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Nicholas learn that his son died?

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

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

4. What sacrament was celebrated at Eric's funeral?

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

6. What does Nicholas believe would be insipid?

7. Why did Eric climb the mountain alone?

8. Why did Nicholas feel that it was a cruel mockery that Eric's backpack and boots were unscathed?

9. What things remind Nicholas that Eric is gone?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using examples from the book, discuss what Nicholas believes are the right and wrong ways to comfort those who are grieving. Look at different ways or methods of grieving and compare or contrast these with Nicholas' view.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss why loss produces a sense that something has ended, using examples from the book to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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