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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Merton tell his brother when he comes to Gethsemani?

2. What pattern of behavior is repeated in Merton's quest for the priesthood?

3. When does John Paul die?

4. What do Merton and his friends do in Olean?

5. Which saint becomes important to Merton when he receives the Baronness' advice?

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 speaks of his parents' dislike of "spooky prejudices that devour people." What, in your opinion, are some examples of these "spooky prejudices" and does the rejection of these things by Merton's father and mother make them better or worse as parents? Do you think that Merton carried on the legacy of his parents in his adult life?

Essay Topic 3

Merton volunteers at Friendship House to work with the poor in Harlem, and he finds a sense of belonging among the people there. He says they "loved Christ so much that they seemed to see Him." In spite of this feeling, Merton ultimately choose a religious vocation that separates him from people. Discuss the reasons your think Merton made this choice and give examples from the text to support your answer.

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