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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 Jesus think Magdalene prostitutes herself?

2. Who orders Barabbas to leave?

3. Who is "The Curse"?

4. What does Mary want Simeon to explain to her when he visits?

5. What is Jesus's defense to save himself from God hunting him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Abbot Joachim dying?

2. How does Jesus meet Zebedee?

3. What does Jesus wonder about his dreams?

4. At the beginning of the novel, how does Jesus feel about God's demands that he preach the Kingdom of Heaven?

5. What do Mary and Simeon talk about when he visits her in Chapter 5?

6. What transpires between Jesus and Ananias?

7. What does Simeon advise Jesus to do, in Chapter 10, and how does Jesus respond?

8. What do Philip and Judas talk about after Judas leaves Capernaum?

9. What does Jesus do to defend Mary Magdalene in Capernaum?

10. Why does the mob chase Mary Magdalene to Capernaum?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The angel with the green wings is the last one to tempt Jesus and shows him what he could have had if he had not chosen to follow the path God laid out for him. What effect does the angel's interference have on Jesus? How does it change Jesus's attitude toward the events of his life and his crucifixion? Who sent the angel? Why? What is its purpose? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Jesus begins feeling the sensation of an invisible vulture digging its claws into his skull when he is 12 years old. How does this sensation change over time? What is the message that the sensation is meant to convey, and from whom does it originate? Does the meaning of the sensation change as the sensation itself becomes more painful and intense? What effect does this sensation have on Jesus's life? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Kazantzakis portrays Jesus as a human being who experiences temptations, sin, and vice, and who is not always welcoming of God's will. How is this portrayal of Jesus different from the way he is depicted in scripture and other religious writings? Why do you think Kazantzakis chose to portray Jesus this way? What can we infer about Kazantzakis's opinion of the accuracy of scripture? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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