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

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Olean?

2. What is Merton looking for in his choice of a religious Order?

3. What does the Baroness tell Merton when he questions his spiritual path and calling?

4. What does Merton want Father Edmund to do for him in regard to the novitiate?

5. What do Ed Rice and Bob Lax work on in Olean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Merton speaks of his parents' dislike of "spooky prejudices that devour people." What, in your opinion, are some examples of these "spooky prejudices" and does the rejection of these things by Merton's father and mother make them better or worse as parents? Do you think that Merton carried on the legacy of his parents in his adult life?

Essay Topic 2

Literature and reading were always important to Merton throughout his life. Was Merton's choice of William Blake as the subject of his thesis indicative of his search for God? How does Merton use literature as a guide in his life?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 372 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample