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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Friendship House?

2. Where is Olean?

3. What stops Merton from making his retreat at Gethsemani?

4. What does Merton say he needs when he begins talking about being a priest?

5. How does Merton imagine a monastery to be?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As an adult, Merton continues to feel guilty about the way he treated his younger brother when they were children. Describe how this guilt is illustrated in the book. In your opinion, was Merton right to feel guilty?

Essay Topic 2

Early on in his spiritual quest Merton believes Catholicism to be mysterious and secretive, and he also believes that Protestants commit many "errors" in their religious observance. Compare and contrast these beliefs and discuss the ways Merton's criticism of these two major religions moves him further on the path toward becoming a monk.

Essay Topic 3

Merton becomes involved with the student publications at Columbia University. Discuss in detail how working on these publications affects Merton's writing career and his spiritual quest.

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