Questions and Answers
Why couldn't the Mom ghost go to heaven and what is her greatest desire?
She was using God to get to her son Michael and wanted to bring him down to hell.
How does MacDonald explain the difference between what she thinks love is and what God thinks love is?
Love is to will the good of another, and one must love God in order to fully love; she wasn't fully loving him without loving God.
Why did the ghost with the lizard have an angel instead of a spirit and what did the angel keep asking him?
He's already converted and just has to take the step; the angel kept asking if he could kill the lizard.
Why did the lizard turn into a stallion?
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What kind of person was Sarah Smith on earth and how would people describe who she was?
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Who is more real, the dwarf ghost (Frank) or the tragedian?
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What are the two types of pity?
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Why doesn't Sarah Smith love the tragedian?
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How does MacDonald explain that Jesus could enter into hell?
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What is the purpose of Chronos time according to MacDonald?
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Why does Lewis end the book as he did?
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Study Notes
Ghosts and Their Desires
- The Mother ghost's desire to manipulate God for her son Michael prevents her from entering heaven.
- Her ultimate wish is to bring Michael down to hell with her.
Love and God's Perspective
- True love is defined as willing the good of another, which requires loving God first.
- The Mother ghost's love for Michael is incomplete and selfish because it lacks divine love.
The Ghost with the Lizard
- A ghost with a lizard has already undergone conversion but hesitates to fully embrace it.
- An angel urges the ghost to kill the lizard, symbolizing the need to eliminate vice.
Transformation of the Lizard
- When the ghost releases his grip on lust, represented by the lizard, it transforms into a stallion.
- The stallion symbolizes virtue and strength, highlighting the idea that overcoming vices reveals inherent virtues.
Nature of Sarah Smith
- On earth, Sarah Smith is characterized as average and simple but profoundly loving.
- She represents genuine kindness and benevolence.
Reality and Masks
- The Dwarf ghost, named Frank, embodies a more authentic existence compared to the tragedian, who represents a facade or mask.
Types of Pity
- Two forms of pity are identified:
- Action: a compassionate, positive response to others.
- Passion: a negative, suffering-inducing form.
Sarah Smith's Love
- Sarah Smith cannot love the tragedian because he embodies a lie; one cannot genuinely love something unrealistic.
Christ's Descent into Hell
- MacDonald explains that Jesus is able to enter hell due to his divine nature; greater beings have the ability to descend into lower realms.
Chronos Time's Purpose
- Chronos time grants freedom and the capacity to choose good, presenting reality in manageable segments for comprehension.
Conclusion of the Narrative
- The book concludes with a metaphor for life on earth, emphasizing that the themes discussed relate directly to present-day experiences.
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Description
This quiz focuses on Chapters 11-14 of 'The Great Divorce' by C.S. Lewis. It explores key themes including the nature of love, the relationship between the Mom ghost and her desires, and the understanding of divine love. Test your knowledge with these flashcards!
