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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. What lessens Merton's fear of Catholicism?

2. What are Merton's childhood memories of his brother?

3. Where had Merton been shortly before his father died?

4. Where was Thomas Merton born?

5. What profession does Tom encourage Merton to prepare for?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Merton do while waiting to enter the monastery?

5. What does Merton hope to experience in Olean?

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

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

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

9. What experiences in England helped Thomas to be more content?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Merton spends considerable time feeling guilty about his visits to bars in New York and what he does there. Why does Merton continue to do things he considers to be sinful, and how do Merton's repeated adventures in New York bars impact his desire to be a priest?

Essay Topic 2

Merton's mother died during the early formative years of his life. Merton's father was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1929 and died during Merton's adolescence. Using examples from the book, compare and contrast the impact on Merton's life of each of these deaths.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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