Questions and Answers
Why does the narrator begin doubting the solid people's intentions in chapter 8?
One of the ghosts tells him it's all a conspiracy.
At the end of chapter 8, a ____________ thunders through the forest and keeps the narrator from seeing what happened to the self-conscious ghost.
herd of unicorns
Who is the narrator's Teacher for the rest of the book?
George MacDonald
MacDonald tells the narrator that the concepts of choice and Time are perfectly clear and understandable to mortals.
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What does MacDonald essentially tell the narrator about those who are in Hell?
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Why is the painter in chapter 9 discouraged from immediately painting his surroundings?
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Why is the female ghost in chapter 10 so upset with her husband, Robert?
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In chapter 11, Pam believes her son, Michael, is hers alone.
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In chapter 11, Pam says she believes in a God of _______.
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What does the little red lizard in chapter 11 represent?
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What happens to the ghost with the little red lizard in chapter 11?
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In chapter 12, Sarah comes to meet her husband, who appears as _________.
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In chapter 13, Sarah tells the Dwarf that he uses _____ to blackmail people.
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According to MacDonald, why doesn't Sarah go down to Hell to get her husband?
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In the final chapter, MacDonald charges the narrator to recount what he has seen only as a dream and not as true knowledge of the afterlife.
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The final encounter that the narrator witnesses happens between a husband and wife. How is this significant, given the title of the book?
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Explain what Sarah Smith means when she says this to the Tragedian: 'If it would help you and if it were possible I would go down with you into Hell: but you cannot bring Hell into me.' Why isn't it possible for her to go down into Hell? Why can he not bring Hell into her?
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Study Notes
Chapter Summaries and Key Concepts
- The narrator begins to doubt the intentions of the solid people after a ghost claims it's a conspiracy against him.
- A herd of unicorns thunders through the forest at the end of chapter 8, obscuring the narrator's view of the self-conscious ghost.
- George MacDonald serves as the narrator's Teacher for the remainder of the story, providing guidance and wisdom.
- MacDonald asserts that concepts of choice and Time are not clear or understandable to mortals, contradicting the notion that they are easily grasped.
- Those in Hell have made a conscious choice to be there, according to MacDonald, highlighting themes of free will and accountability.
- In chapter 9, a painter is discouraged from painting his surroundings immediately, as he should first appreciate the beauty of the country itself.
- A female ghost expresses distress over her husband Robert’s lack of gratitude for her sacrifices, emphasizing themes of recognition and appreciation in relationships.
- Pam, a character in chapter 11, mistakenly believes her son Michael belongs solely to her, illustrating themes of possessiveness and love.
- Pam claims to believe in a God of Love, aligning with the central theme of divine love versus selfishness.
- The little red lizard symbolizes lust, embodying a personal struggle faced by the ghost in chapter 11.
- The ghost chooses to allow an angel to kill the little red lizard, signifying a pivotal moment of sacrifice and transformation.
- Sarah meets her husband, appearing as a dwarf and a collared tragedian, representing her perception of their relationship and his diminished state.
- Sarah accuses the Dwarf of using pity to manipulate others, highlighting themes of emotional manipulation and dependence.
- MacDonald explains that Hell is too small to contain Sarah, emphasizing her expansive nature characterized by boundless love.
- In the final chapter, MacDonald instructs the narrator to recount his experiences as a mere dream rather than definitive knowledge of the afterlife.
- A significant encounter occurs between a husband and wife, illustrating how sinful desires can lead to emotional separation even after death, with the husband unable to transcend his reliance on pity.
- Sarah’s declaration to the Tragedian illustrates her overwhelming love that protects her from the corruption of Hell; she cannot descend to Hell nor can it enter her, signifying the triumph of love over sin.
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Description
Explore the key concepts and summaries from chapters 8 and 9 of 'The Great Divorce' by C.S. Lewis. This quiz delves into the narrator's journey, the teachings of George MacDonald, and the profound themes of free will, appreciation, and the complexities of choice and time. Test your understanding of these pivotal moments in the story!