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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Merton say he needs when he begins talking about being a priest?
(a) A rule designed to detach him from the world.
(b) A rule that would lead him to parish ministry.
(c) A rule that would prepare him to teach at the university.
(d) A rule that would allow him to do community outreach.

2. Who is the Baroness?
(a) The woman Merton meets on retreat.
(b) The woman who frustrates Merton romantically.
(c) The woman who volunteers at St. Bonaventure.
(d) The woman who runs Friendship House.

3. Why does Merton not enter the military draft?
(a) He fails the physical because of his stomach problems.
(b) He fails the physical because he has flat feet.
(c) He fails the physical because of his teeth.
(d) He fails the physical because of his poor eyesight.

4. What were growing interests for Merton in Olean?
(a) Sports and writing
(b) Teaching and journalism.
(c) Asceticism and contemplation.
(d) Philosophy and religion.

5. What is Our Lady of Gethsemani?
(a) A statue in a church.
(b) A monastery in Kentucky.
(c) A church in New York.
(d) A monastery in Ohio.

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

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

8. What causes Merton's unhappiness when he is teaching?
(a) Being forced to withdraw his application to the monastery.
(b) Not being able to find a meaningful job.
(c) Being separated from his friends.
(d) Receiving a draft notice.

9. 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) On a ship to the Pacific.
(d) To visit the Baroness in Canada.

10. What important event occurs while Merton is in Olean?
(a) The U.S. goes to war.
(b) Merton's friends join the Navy.
(c) World War II begins in Europe.
(d) Merton is drafted into the military.

11. Why does Merton go to Friendship House often?
(a) He wants recognition for his work.
(b) He wants to be useful as a layperson.
(c) He needs the support of those who really loved Christ.
(d) He needs to be around women.

12. How does Merton want to live in the world?
(a) As a chaplain in the military.
(b) As a religious teacher.
(c) As a monk.
(d) As a good and righteous lay person.

13. When did Merton first talk with Father Edmund about becoming a priest?
(a) January, 1940.
(b) December, 1939.
(c) September, 1939.
(d) September, 1950.

14. What does Merton see as his vocation while he is in Olean?
(a) Writing.
(b) Praying.
(c) Lecturing.
(d) Painting.

15. What does Merton think his motive should be for writing?
(a) To make money and support himself.
(b) To describe events from his travels.
(c) To teach his students about the world.
(d) To glorify God and His teachings.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Merton and his friends grow in Olean?

2. What does Merton say in Part 2, Chapter 2, will not save his mind from its state of sin?

3. Who does Merton talk to when he first starts to tell people he wants to be a priest?

4. What does a Carmelite tell the Master of Novices about Merton?

5. Where does Merton make a retreat during Easter?

(see the answer keys)

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