View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When was Thomas Merton born?

2. How does Merton describe his fellow students in France?

3. What book leads Merton to review his opinion of Catholicism?

4. Who gave Merton his First Communion?

5. What did Pop tell Merton while Owen was ill?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe some of the things that Merton loves about France.

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

4. What was important for Merton to find in a teacher?

5. Why was Merton's participation with student publications so satisfying to him?

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

7. What is the significance of a book Merton purchased at Scribner's?

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

9. Why does Merton describe his visions of monastery cloisters?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thomas Merton's mother died when he and his brother were young children. How did his mother's death impact Merton? What his reaction to her death different than that of his brother? His father? Do you think her death changed Owen Merton's life and the relationship he had with his sons?

Essay Topic 2

Literature and reading were always important to Merton throughout his life. Was Merton's choice of William Blake as the subject of his thesis indicative of his search for God? How does Merton use literature as a guide in his life?

Essay Topic 3

Merton initially decides to join the Franciscans because Dan Walsh recommended the Order, believing it had an "easier" Rule than other religious Orders. Using what you know of Merton's personality from his book, discuss the influence other people have on his decisions. Support your answer with examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 743 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample