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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 keeps Ann from making a connection with Chris?

2. What does Albert believe about Ann's suicide?

3. What has Chris' sacrifice done?

4. How do the inhabitants attack Chris?

5. About what is Albert adamant?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think it means when Chris says he is realizing there is so much more than what the limited human mind can conceive?

2. What does Chris realize about Ann's view of her situation?

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

4. Who does Chris see in Summerland and what is the outcome? Do you think it seems likely?

5. What does Chris do to try to make a connection with Ann and what is her response?

6. How does Chris persist in trying to make Ann see her situation and what is the result?

7. How does Chris have a third vision of Ann and what is the significance of the vision?

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

9. What is the process of incarnation/reincarnation that souls go through?

10. Can there be any type of communication between souls in Summerland and those on Earth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbols and metaphors are usually present in most fiction, particularly one that has both a message and is set in imaginary worlds. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think a novel set in imaginary worlds would rely upon symbolism and metaphors? Give examples to support your rationale.

2. Trace and analyze three of the most significant symbols in the novel.

3. Trace and analyze two of the most significant metaphors in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

Compare/contrast Chris to Albert.

Thoroughly analyze Ann's character and discuss why you think she ends up in the lower realms.

Discuss four of the minor characters and how they contribute to the story. Could they be left out without impacting the story overly much?

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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