View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Nicholas doing in a dream on page 50?

2. What nations does Nicholas mention when he thinks about what it would be like to be a member of a people whose national existence is under attack?

3. What types of days can Nicholas, on page 61, say he can manage?

4. On page 83, what metaphor does Nicholas use to describe what it is to be human?

5. What were people putting into baskets when Nicholas walked into a store?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is there a firm answer to why humans suffer?

2. How is what the Stoics said different from what Jesus said about mourning?

3. Is Nicholas angry at God because of Eric's death?

4. What will Nicholas do with the regrets he has regarding Eric?

5. In Section 8, what is said about what it means to be human?

6. On page 76, what does a bitter, suffering friend tell Nicholas?

7. What metaphor does Nicholas use to explain faith?

8. Does Nicholas believe that God reveals himself?

9. In what respects does man mirror God?

10. Why do innocent questions make Nicholas wince?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using examples from the book, discuss the struggle that Nicholas had when he tried to return to ordinary life and to his work.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Explain what Nicholas believe it means to be human, using examples from the book to support your position. You may also read the texts or passages referenced by Nicholas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 819 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample