View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What were growing interests for Merton in Olean?

2. What does Merton say in Part 2, Chapter 2, will not save his mind from its state of sin?

3. What sends Merton into a frustrating "holding pattern"?

4. How does Merton differentiate himself from an "ordinary Catholic"?

5. Why can Merton register for the draft as a conscientious objector?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Merton had much better school experiences at Ripley Court in England than at the Lycee in France. Using examples from the book, compare and contrast Merton's schooling in the two countries and discuss what impact his family may or may not have had on his school years.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Merton expands his understanding of Catholicism essentially by mistake when he purchases "The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy" without knowing it is a Catholic book. Discuss why Merton would be "angry" when he finds he has bought a Catholic book and how reading it changed his mind.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 364 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample