The Great Divorce Quiz & Flashcards: MacDonald's Insights

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.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does MacDonald essentially tell the narrator about those who are in Hell?

They have chosen to be there. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the painter in chapter 9 discouraged from immediately painting his surroundings?

He must first enjoy the country for itself and not for the sake of a painting. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the female ghost in chapter 10 so upset with her husband, Robert?

She believes he didn't thank her for all of her sacrifices. Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 11, Pam believes her son, Michael, is hers alone.

True Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 11, Pam says she believes in a God of _______.

Love Signup and view all the answers

What does the little red lizard in chapter 11 represent?

Lust Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the ghost with the little red lizard in chapter 11?

The ghost allows an angel to kill the lizard. Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 12, Sarah comes to meet her husband, who appears as _________.

a dwarf and a collared tragedian Signup and view all the answers

In chapter 13, Sarah tells the Dwarf that he uses _____ to blackmail people.

pity Signup and view all the answers

According to MacDonald, why doesn't Sarah go down to Hell to get her husband?

Hell is too small to hold her. Signup and view all the answers

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.

True Signup and view all the answers

The final encounter that the narrator witnesses happens between a husband and wife. How is this significant, given the title of the book?

I believe it is significant because the husband was not willing to defeat the satisfaction of pity in order to be with his wife again in paradise. It goes to show you that sinful desires can split people forever even in the afterlife. She tried to salvage him, but his demons were too strong. He was too weak to 're-marry' or 'reunite' with her. His need for pity divorced them emotionally in real life, and sadly in the afterlife. Signup and view all the answers

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?

It is because the Lady (or Sarah Smith) is in Love. In the book, the narrator described that she was literally overflowing with Love. She physically cannot be taken out of Love. And she is too large and righteous for Hell to enter her. Hell is too small for her, and it would never be able to sustain her heavy amounts of Love. The Love that is in her physically deflects Hell and everything that is within Hell. She has already defeated sin; therefore, Hell has no power or strength over her. That is why Hell cannot enter her. Signup and view all the answers

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!

The Great Divorce Chapter Summary