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

Short Answer Questions

1. What sin is Merton most concerned with when he begins to write poetry?

2. What does Merton think of Father Edmund's recommendation to apply to the order in August of 1940?

3. What, in Part 2, Chapter 2, causes Merton to feel enthusiastic?

4. Where does John Paul die?

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

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

Merton's mother died during the early formative years of his life. Merton's father was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1929 and died during Merton's adolescence. Using examples from the book, compare and contrast the impact on Merton's life of each of these deaths.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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