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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Merton afraid to tell anyone when he is teaching at St. Bonaventure?

2. What does the Baroness tell Merton when he questions his spiritual path and calling?

3. What does Merton think of Father Edmund's recommendation to apply to the order in August of 1940?

4. Why does Merton go to Friendship House often?

5. What was Merton hoping to gain at his country cottage?

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 was admitted to Cambridge University in England, but he never attends classes there, choosing instead to go the Columbia University in New York. What does this decision and the events surrounding it show about Merton's character and personality?

Essay Topic 3

Merton writes his story using a poetic style and language that is rich in images and connections. Discuss the way Merton's language and imagery supports his description of his book as an "autobiography of faith." Do you think that the way Merton uses images to describe his world is related in any way to the fact that his father and mother were artists? Why or why not?

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This section contains 361 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample