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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who suggests that Merton withdraw his application for the novitiate?

2. What is Merton's role at Friendship House?

3. What does Merton say he needs when he begins talking about being a priest?

4. Why does Merton register for the draft in the way that he does?

5. Where is Merton's brother during the time Merton is at Friendship House?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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's university thesis was called "Nature and Art in William Blake."

1)How does his choice of thesis topic reflect his early childhood experiences?

2) What elements in Blake does Merton find relevant to his spiritual search?

3) How does writing this thesis prepare Merton for his life as a monk?

(see the answer keys)

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