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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. How does Merton describe this book?
(a) It is a story about his father.
(b) It is the biography of his mother.
(c) It is the story of his travels.
(d) It is an autobiography of faith.

2. Who gave Merton his First Communion?
(a) Father Moore at Corpus Christi.
(b) Father Gerdy at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
(c) Father Rice at St. John's.
(d) Father McGough at Corpus Christi.

3. Who is Bramachari?
(a) A philosophy professor Merton knows.
(b) A Buddhist monk known by Merton's friends.
(c) A Hindu monk Merton comes to know.
(d) A student of Protestantism.

4. What words best describe Merton at the university?
(a) Romantic and in love.
(b) Intellectual and contemplative.
(c) Religious and non-political.
(d) Athletic and social.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What encouraged Merton to take another step toward religion in Part 1, Chapter 3?

2. What was the name of the school Merton attended in 1929?

3. What does Merton do during the summer he returned to New York after a trip to Rome?

4. Of which place in St. Antonin does Merton have unpleasant memories?

5. How does Merton describe his mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the death of Merton's mother affect him?

2. What impact does World War II have on Merton in Part 2, Chapter 2?

3. How did Merton feel about moving to England?

4. What are some examples of Merton's impatience in Part 3, Chapter 1?

5. What does the image of John Paul waving from the car suggest to Merton?

6. Does Merton follow the advice given to him by Van Doren in Part 3, Chapter 3?

7. What is Merton's reaction to having to withdraw his application to the monastery?

8. Why does Merton love the "fourth floor" at Columbia?

9. How does Merton handle his spiritual condition upon returning from Cuba?

10. How is it shown in Part 1, Chapter 3, that literature was important in Merton's life?

(see the answer keys)

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