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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. With whom does Merton stay in England?
(a) He stays with his Aunt Maude and Uncle Ben.
(b) He lives with his father and brother.
(c) He lives with his grandparents.
(d) He boards at his school.

2. What does Merton do during the summer he returned to New York after a trip to Rome?
(a) He begins going to bars and burlesques.
(b) He continues his religious explorations.
(c) He immediately visits his Aunt Maude.
(d) He prepares for a diplomatic career.

3. What, in Part 1, Chapter 4, is noticeably lacking the Merton's autobiography?
(a) A description of his travels.
(b) The names of his girlfriends.
(c) The names of his family members.
(d) His feelings about religion.

4. Why does Merton say he was "truly happy" in England?
(a) Because he is living in England.
(b) Because he is learning to play cricket.
(c) Because he is sincerely religious for the first time.
(d) Because he has many friends.

5. Of which place in St. Antonin does Merton have unpleasant memories?
(a) The church.
(b) The museum.
(c) The countryside.
(d) The Lycee.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Owen ask Merton to do for him while he was ill?

2. Who are Pop and Bonnemaman?

3. What revelation did Merton have when attending his first Mass?

4. What keeps Merton from athletic participation?

5. How does Merton describe his mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part 3, Chapter 1, how does the reader know that God is the main focus of Merton's thoughts?

2. What does Mark Van Doren do that made Merton afraid of losing his dream?

3. How does Merton feel about living with his father's friends after his mother's death?

4. Why does Merton downgrade his ability to play sports?

5. What does Merton hope to experience in Olean?

6. Describe Merton's reaction to hearing about Gethsemani for the first time?

7. What is the significance of Bob Lax in the Epilogue?

8. How does his father set an example for Merton's later life?

9. What important event takes place after Merton's acceptance into the monastery?

10. How does Merton describe his relationships with women in his book?

(see the answer keys)

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