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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Merton make a retreat during Easter?
(a) To a cabin in upstate New York.
(b) Our Lady of Corpus Christi.
(c) Our Lady of Mt. Zion.
(d) Our Lady of Gethsemani.

2. What impact does Catherine de Hueck have on Merton?
(a) She inspires him with her work among the poor.
(b) Her belief he should leave the priesthood angers him.
(c) Her calling to become a nun makes him envious.
(d) Her wealth influences him.

3. 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 become a priest in Rome.
(d) To own a newspaper.

4. Who does Merton talk to when he first starts to tell people he wants to be a priest?
(a) Dan Walsh.
(b) Robert Lax.
(c) Ed Rice.
(d) Mark Van Doren.

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

6. What do Merton and his friends do in Olean?
(a) They have an automobile accident.
(b) They study drama and religion.
(c) They develop a monastery-like environment.
(d) They play team sports.

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

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

9. How many countries has Merton lived in by the time war breaks out?
(a) Five .
(b) Six.
(c) Three.
(d) Four.

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

11. Where is Merton's brother during the time Merton is at Friendship House?
(a) He is with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
(b) He is with the United States Navy.
(c) He is sick and in the hospital.
(d) He is in the Army in France.

12. Where does Merton get a job as a teacher?
(a) Corpus Christi.
(b) St. Bonaventure.
(c) Gethsemani.
(d) Zion Church.

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

14. What does Merton say in Part 2, Chapter 2, will not save his mind from its state of sin?
(a) Summers in the country.
(b) Learning about philosophy.
(c) Occasional trips to church.
(d) A trip to the hospital.

15. What pattern of behavior is repeated in Merton's quest for the priesthood?
(a) He would rather let circumstances push him in one direction or another.
(b) After spending a delaying a decision, he is impatient for action once he decides.
(c) He asks everyone for advice and then ignores what he is told.
(d) He depends on others to make difficult decisions for him.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Merton's brother sent while Thomas is joining the monastery?

2. How does Merton want to live in the world?

3. Who accepts Merton into the community of monks?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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