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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 is it hard for Ann to believe that Chris is still alive in some form?

2. Which sphere is Summerland?

3. When is Ann to join Chris in Summerland?

4. What is the atmosphere like in Summerland?

5. What puts an even greater distance between Chris and his wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Chris keeps staying around the Earth plane when it is so frustrating and sad to see Ann's grief?

2. What can Albert do and how would you feel about that?

3. What is the paradox about Ann and her wish to see Chris at Perry's seance?

4. What does the man who seems to have substance tell Chris?

5. Where does Leona take Chris and why can't he seem to enjoy it?

6. What recollection of Chris' may foreshadow the future for Ann?

7. What is the frame in which Chris' story is written?

8. What does Chris do to find Ann and help her?

9. What sort of judgment day is there for Chris and who is the "judge"?

10. What do you think about what Albert tells Chris about thoughts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly trace and analyze the theme of redemption.

2. Thoroughly trace and analyze the theme of relationships.

3. Thoroughly trace and analyze the theme of spirituality.

Essay Topic 2

In the Introduction, a clairvoyant has gone to the home of the protagonist's brother, Robert, to deliver a manuscript she claims Robert's deceased brother, Chris, dictated to her from the spirit realm. Discuss the following:

Why do you think Matheson chooses to frame his novel with the story about the clairvoyant and the manuscript?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of framing the story this way?

Do you think the frame device is the most effective way to tell Chris's story? Why or why not?

What is another way Matheson could have structured the story? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of that way?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 1, Chris separates from his body and his life flashes before his eyes in reverse from 1974 to 1927 in a blur of images. Then, later in Chapter 4, Chris has a comprehensive review of his life and actions, this time slowly and with great clarity. Discuss the following:

What do you think is the purpose of Chris' life flashing past his mind in Chapter 1?

What do you think is the purpose of the comprehensive review in Chapter 4?

Who judges Chris' life? Do you think this is a good way to conduct and after-death judgment?

What judgment is rendered about Chris' life?

(see the answer keys)

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