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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. How does Viorst describe the first loss we experience as humans?

2. According to the author, absence makes the heart grow _____________.

3. What two feelings battle each other at every stage of development?

4. What is one of the necessary losses discussed in Chapter 3?

5. Viorst feels that there is a always a grain of what in our love relationships?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Art Buchwald, journalist and friend of the author, say that he understands about "scars on the brain"?

2. Endocrinologist Estelle Ramey uses what example to support her theory that virtually all differences between male and female are cultural?

3. What support does Viorst give to the Cinderella Complex?

4. Discuss some of the means, covered in Chapter 2, by which we attempt to restore oneness with our mothers.

5. What did Alfred Adler note about the relationship between siblings and how it influences who we become as adults?

6. What happens when we do not behave in accordance with our conscience?

7. Why do we have fantasies?

8. Describe repetition compulsion and what we may be trying to accomplish through it.

9. Why did Freud name it the Oedipus complex?

10. According to Chapter 9, what kind of person lacks guilt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the different times of life that are covered in the book. What is similar about them? What is different? What are some life lessons you can take away that may help you navigate the developmental stages you have yet to experience?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast normal/healthy mourning with that of chronic mourning, according to the book. How are they similar? What is different about the process of chronic mourning? Can grief be resolved through either process?

Essay Topic 3

Our desire to have our parents' love all to ourselves is often most obviously expressed after the birth of a sibling. Discuss the ways in which children try to cope and deal with these strong feelings. Be sure to use stories and support from the book.

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