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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. Who does Richard bring to the cemetery?

2. How do the works of literature exist in this library?

3. What gets in the way of Perry's being able to connect Chris and Ann?

4. What does Chris want to do?

5. How are Chris' screenplays characterized?

Short Essay Questions

1. What might give Chris hope for Ann for after she dies?

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

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

4. How does Perry explain about why Chris lingers on the Earth plane for so long and the negative emotions Chris experiences?

5. What does Leon show Chris while they are waiting to be summoned back to the Office of Records?

6. What does Chris learn at the Office of Records and how does he react? Why do you think he reacts in such a way?

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

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

9. Why does Chris lie down at his home and does this make sense to you?

10. Who does it seem that Chris can make some sort of connection with and who can he not seem to reach and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are three settings in this novel: Earth, Summerland and the Lower Realms. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast Summerland to Earth.

2. Compare/contrast Summerland to the Lower Realms.

3. Compare/contrast the Lower Realms to Earth.

Essay Topic 2

Much of this story centers around obsession. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze Chris's obsession for helping Ann throughout the story. Discuss fully with examples.

2. Trace and analyze Ann's obsession about Chris throughout the story. Discuss fully with examples.

3. What lessons can be learned for your own life in looking at how obsession manifests and impacts people in this story?

Essay Topic 3

Chris learns that Albert keeps track of certain family members who have died; that families do not have the same ties in Summerland as they do on earth. Discuss the following:

1. How does Chris react when he learns that relationships in Summerland (Heaven) are similar as on Earth?

2. Do you think relationships would be different from or similar to the way one's relationships are on Earth (assume for the moment that there is life after death, even if you do not believe it)?

3. Even though relationships in Summerland are similar to that on Earth, do you think Chris could change the relationship with his father if Chris wanted to? What about if the father is unwilling?

(see the answer keys)

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