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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 Teresa stress that the most important thing is to bind one's will to the will of God instead of seeking some particular blessing?

2. What does Teresa say some of her sisters do when they are engrossed in their own reaction to what is happening in their souls?

3. What is the hope of the soul in the Third Dwelling?

4. How does she refer to God?

5. What does Teresa say the condition of the soul is in the First Dwelling?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Teresa describe establishing and maintaining intimacy with God?

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

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

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

5. What lament does Teresa offer for those who never experience a relationship with God?

6. What does Teresa have to say about expectations and rewards for service to God?

7. What reservation does Teresa have about writing on the subject of prayer?

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

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

10. Briefly summarize the pain of the Fifth Dwelling.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on Teresa's imagery, metaphors, and analogies. In your essay state your opinion as to whether she uses these devices too much or if they make her points more understandable. Point out the limits to any comparison by showing examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the value of holding onto convictions. In this essay you are not speaking exclusively about religious convictions. Define what happens to a person who behaves in a contradictory way to any values he or she holds to be right. These values may be ethical, political, or religious.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about obedience. Use Teresa's insistence on being obedient to her spiritual advisers and superiors. In your essay either defend the idea of religious obedience or offer your objections to the idea. This is not an essay that has a right answer or a wrong one. It is your opinion and, therefore, cannot be wrong. The essay is marked on how well you present your case.

(see the answer keys)

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