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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 worries Teresa about being able to quote other writers?

2. What does she say is at the center of the castle?

3. What metaphor does Teresa use to discuss spiritual consolations?

4. To what does Teresa invite the sister who would enter the Fifth Dwelling?

5. How does Teresa classify repeated prayers from memory?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Teresa classify the greatest need in gaining a high level of intimacy with God?

2. How does Teresa describe the Prayer of Union?

3. How has Teresa handled fear and weakness on her part in the past?

4. How does Teresa say a seeker will know if she is truly humble?

5. In what way does Teresa say a sister can insure her devotion to God?

6. What does Teresa say about the rich man who has lost his wealth?

7. What theme does Teresa introduce in her first chapter that runs throughout the book?

8. What does Teresa say about a nun who is entangled with the cares of the world?

9. What is Teresa's feeling after leaving the Prayer of Union?

10. How does Teresa introduce her analogy of the silkworm?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on overcoming past mistakes. Teresa talks about being so caught up in guilt over past mistakes that people often become incapacitated. In your essay apply that principal to anything a person might aspire to do but is hindered by fear of making errors along the way.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about your idea of faith. Give your definition of faith and explain its value to you personally. Be honest with your essay. This is not marked on the basis of agreement with your ideas but rather on how well you state your case.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay comparing Teresa with Joan of Arc who was burned at the stake for hearing voices giving her instruction for liberating her people. Teresa skirts that same issue in her book by warning her sisters to be careful about telling their mystic experiences to others and by her relief that her instruction now comes more quietly and less often in public. In your essay show how reaction to mysticism has historically been marked by superstition and prejudice.

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