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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Merton describe his mother?

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

4. How does Merton feel about Catholicism when he first goes to the university?

5. What are the contents of the note Merton receives from his father?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the errors Merton finds in the religion of Protestants?

2. What are some of the internal struggles Merton faces in Part 1, Chapter 3?

3. Why does the Abbot accept Merton into Gethsemani?

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

5. Why does Merton file draft papers as a noncombatant instead of as a conscientious objector?

6. What characterizes the life of Merton's parents?

7. Why did Merton move away from religion when he entered Columbia?

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

9. What factors influenced Merton in pursuing a graduate degree in English?

10. What does his teaching job at St. Bonaventure mean to Merton?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Merton mentions "love affairs" in his book, but provides few details about the women involved. Why is Merton so secretive about his romantic relationships? How could having more details about the women in his life help the reader have a better understanding of Merton's character?

Essay Topic 2

Merton's relationship with sports is complicated. He participates in them, but doesn't feel that he has the ability to excel. Compare and contrast the benefits and disadvantages Merton receives from playing sports at Columbia. What does his choice of sports tell the reader about his personality?

Essay Topic 3

Merton experienced times of unhappiness during his childhood. What experiences described in the book show that Merton was sometimes unhappy as a child? Discuss the impact of these childhood experiences on Merton's later life.

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