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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. To whom is THE INNER CASTLE addressed?

2. What does she think about what she has to say in this book?

3. What does Teresa classify as a sign of the intention to draw ever closer to God?

4. Why are these Fourth Dwelling places deeper and more and more beautiful?

5. What metaphor does Teresa introduce about the Fifth Dwelling?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what Teresa saw in her vision about how to write the book?

2. What does Teresa say about what is gained during the difficult times in life?

3. Describe briefly the trial that accompanies arrival in the Sixth Dwelling.

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

5. What indicates Teresa's Christian mysticism as she begins her book?

6. What does Teresa have to say about inept spiritual advisers?

7. What explanation does Teresa give in her prologue?

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

9. What does Teresa prescribe as a means of passing any test of her faith and devotion?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the idea that prayer is different for women than for men. Explain the order given to Teresa to write her book for women because women understand each other better. Does that idea hold up today? Explain differences between 16th and 21st Century concepts.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on visions versus hallucinations. In your essay give examples of what some refer to as visions and examples of hallucinations such as those brought on through the use of drugs. State your opinion as to the validity of visions. Do you support the idea that they come from some higher place or do you think that people see in visions what they want to see?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on cloistered living. From the book, explain how Teresa reveals that living in a convent does not mean living a perfect life devoted to God. Use examples from her book that shows her recognition of the fact that women in the convent go through the same problems and stresses as those outside the convent.

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