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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which saint becomes important to Merton when he receives the Baronness' advice?
(a) St. Catherine of Siena.
(b) St. Mary of Gethsemani.
(c) St. Therese of Lisieux.
(d) St. Brigid of Ireland.

2. Where is Merton's brother sent while Thomas is joining the monastery?
(a) To join their relatives in Europe.
(b) On bombing raids over Europe.
(c) To visit the Baroness in Canada.
(d) On a ship to the Pacific.

3. Why does Merton register for the draft in the way that he does?
(a) He follows the advice of his religious teachers.
(b) He wants to gain attention and fame.
(c) He opposes the methods of warfare.
(d) He is morally opposed to war.

4. When does Merton plan to make a retreat at Gethsemani when writing to the Abbott?
(a) In the following year.
(b) In September.
(c) At Christmas.
(d) At Easter.

5. What narrative convention does Merton use repeatedly in this book?
(a) He provides detailed and accurately recorded conversations with priests.
(b) He links every current event to a childhood experience.
(c) He writes long historical passages to set the stage for action.
(d) He writes long reveries that arise from his imagination.

6. What does Merton tell his brother when he comes to Gethsemani?
(a) Everything Merton knows about Catholicism.
(b) The names of women he should visit.
(c) How to stay safe while traveling.
(d) The address of a priest in New York he must visit.

7. Who suggests that Merton withdraw his application for the novitiate?
(a) Dan Walsh.
(b) Bob Lax.
(c) Ed Rice.
(d) Father Edmund.

8. What is Merton looking for in his choice of a religious Order?
(a) He wants an Order that is located near his university.
(b) He prefers an Order that allows him to converse with lay people.
(c) He wants an Order that will let him join the war effort.
(d) He wants an Order that gives him solitude and silence.

9. Where does John Paul die?
(a) At Gethsemani.
(b) In a plane crash in the North Sea.
(c) In a hospital in Canada.
(d) On a train in France.

10. Who is Dan Walsh?
(a) A priest who takes Merton's confession.
(b) A professor Merton doesn't like.
(c) A professor respected by Merton.
(d) A monk Merton meets.

11. What religious rule do the monks follow at Gethsemani?
(a) The Trappist rule.
(b) The Carmelite rule.
(c) The Dominican rule.
(d) The Franciscan rule.

12. What does the Baroness tell Merton when he questions his spiritual path and calling?
(a) To come with her to France.
(b) That he should sell all of his possessions.
(c) To keep writing and pray to God more.
(d) That he is on the wrong path and is making a mistake.

13. What does Merton feel about the war?
(a) Avoidance.
(b) Pride.
(c) Regret.
(d) Fear.

14. In Part 3, Chapter 3, what does Merton decide is the work he is meant to do?
(a) To write and teach.
(b) To work with the poor and pray.
(c) To own a newspaper.
(d) To become a priest in Rome.

15. What does Merton have to do upon joining the monastery?
(a) He must confess the sins of his past to the Master of Novices.
(b) He must talk with others in the novitiate about their calling.
(c) He must take a physical examination to prove his endurance.
(d) He must contact the draft board to inform them of his novitiate.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many countries has Merton lived in by the time war breaks out?

2. What does Merton remember when saying goodbye to his brother after his baptism?

3. Where does Merton make a retreat during Easter?

4. What does Merton's brother do before leaving on his voyage?

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

(see the answer keys)

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