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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 is in the crater they encounter?

2. Who agrees to help create a connection with Ann?

3. Why are his aunt and uncle the way they are?

4. Of what does Albert warn Chris?

5. What does Chris recognize?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Chris decide where and with whom to reincarnate?

2. Has Albert ever been in the Lower Realms?

3. Describe the first meeting between Chris and Ann.

4. What is ironic about Ann's response to Chris when he asks her about her husband?

5. Where is Chris at the opening to Chapter 36 and what has he accomplished?

6. Describe Albert and Chris' initial entry into the Lower Realms.

7. How does Chris react to the knowledge of Ann's suicide?

8. Briefly describe Ann's home in Hell.

9. What could Ann have done differently on Earth following the death of Chris which would have not resulted in her being where she is?

10. What does Chris decide to do about Ann and how does Ian's belief offer some possibility of success?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Many people believe that dogs and other animals can sense things beyond the five senses better than humans. Discuss the following:

1. How does Ginger behave towards Chris while she is still in the physical and Chris has died? Does her change in attitude from the first time Chris sees her and is welcomed to later seem logical?

2. How does Ginger behave towards Chris when she is in Summerland? Does this seem logical?

3. Katie, a dog that Chris and Ann had for many years, greets Chris in Summerland. Do you believe animals are in the spirit world? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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