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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 does Chesterton explain as his method for proving his argument?

2. Why does Chesterton call the cross "the symbol at once of mystery and of health?" (Chesterton 2000, pg. 188).

3. According to Chesterton, who is the only person to whom a modern realistic novel would not be boring?

4. Why does Chesterton assert that tall towers are an example of humility?

5. What does Chesterton name as the second principle of democracy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Chesterton assumes that he and his reader will share the common ground of agreeing that an interesting, active life is preferable to simple existence. Is this a fair starting point? Why or why not?

2. The author says people can justly call him a fool because he is a fool. What does this reveal about the man himself? How does this set up expectations for the rest of the book?

3. According to Chesterton, the complete skeptic knows that he cannot think anything. How does this differ from the young skeptic? How does the complete skeptic show a true awareness of where he is?

4. Chesterton asserts that though the world has its share of evils, the modern virtues actually have a more devastating effect. How does he support this radical idea? What relationship does this have to Christianity?

5. As he begins to talk about fairy land, what does Chesterton argue about rationalism? How does this open the door to excitement in the world?

6. Materialism is a much narrower belief than Christianity, in fact, more than any religion. What reasons does Chesterton give for this? How does it relate to the discussion of madness and sanity?

7. What does Chesterton say is the spirit of the law in fairy land? Why is this not inconsistent?

8. In the example of the explorer who only discovers his own land, Chesterton says that his first emotion might be foolishness. This should not be the sole emotion, though. Why does Chesterton name foolishness as the first emotion and how might this fit the religious explorer?

9. "But it is a much more massive and important fact that he [the materialist] is not free to raise, to curse, the thank, to justify, to urge, the punish, to resist temptation, to incite mobs, to make New Year resolutions, to pardon sinners, to rebuke tyrants, or even to say 'thank you' for the mustard" (Chesterton 2000, pg 185). What is the context for this statement? Does it logically follow from Chesterton's argument?

10. Chapter II, The Maniac, begins with the idea that man believing in himself is a weakness. Chesterton asserts this in the face of modern thinking, which says believing in oneself is the strongest way to live. What reasons does Chesterton give for asserting this statement?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

According to Chesterton, what happens when men deny their inherent sinfulness? What are the philosophical and theological repercussions? How does this belief separate men from each other?

Essay Topic 2

Christianity is orderly so that good things can run wild. As Chesterton asserts, is this true? If so, how is it true? Give examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

What are the differences between man and animal? Why does Chesterton assert these differences? How does his conclusion differ from those of the pagan thinkers?

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