View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. With whom does Merton stay in England?
(a) He boards at his school.
(b) He stays with his Aunt Maude and Uncle Ben.
(c) He lives with his father and brother.
(d) He lives with his grandparents.

2. Where does Merton attend his first Mass?
(a) At St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.
(b) At St. John the Divine in New York.
(c) At Gethsemane in Kentucky.
(d) At the Church of Corpus Christi in New York.

3. What did Pop allow the 15-year-old Merton to do that really impressed him?
(a) He allowed him to enjoy luxury travel.
(b) Pop allowed the 15-year-old Merton to smoke a cigarette.
(c) He allowed him to visit his father alone.
(d) He allowed him to drive his car.

4. What was his father building in St. Antonin?
(a) He builds a piece of sculpture.
(b) He builds an art studio.
(c) He builds a house for the family.
(d) He builds an extra bedroom.

5. How does Merton describe his parents?
(a) They were independent and free of small prejudices.
(b) They were focused on wealth and social status.
(c) They were uncaring people who left him with strangers.
(d) They disliked one another and planned to divorce.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Owen Merton?

2. What keeps Merton from athletic participation?

3. What did Pop tell Merton while Owen was ill?

4. How does Merton describe the boys at Ripley Court?

5. How did Merton's parents foster his love for the monastic life?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Baroness help Merton find his calling?

2. Why does Merton describe his visions of monastery cloisters?

3. What does Merton try to express in this first chapter?

4. Why does Merton introduce characters like Andrew into his story?

5. What does Merton gain during his summer in Olean?

6. Why does Merton attend Zion Church?

7. What significant event in Merton's monastic life forms part of the Epilogue?

8. Why does Merton file draft papers as a noncombatant instead of as a conscientious objector?

9. Describe Merton's reaction to hearing about Gethsemani for the first time?

10. What does his teaching job at St. Bonaventure mean to Merton?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 835 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample