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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. In the image that Nicholas talks about seeing on page 60, who does he see dead?

2. Who wrote, "we have to wait for the third day"?

3. Where in the Bible is the quote, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy."

4. Instead of overcoming, what has Nicholas learned to do with the unpleasant things in his life?

5. Who wrote "God too is pained by death, more even than you and I are; but there's nothing much he can do about it"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What will Nicholas do rather than turn away from death?

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

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

4. What would Nicholas give for the changes in his character since Eric died?

5. Why did the ordinariness bother Nicholas when he walked into a store?

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

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

8. Does Nicholas believe that God reveals himself?

9. Why does Nicholas say God suffers?

10. Why do innocent questions make Nicholas wince?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss why Nicholas chose a lamentation to express the pain he felt regarding Eric's death. Use examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast what Jesus and what the Stoics felt about mourning, as explained in this book. Use examples from the book.

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.

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