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

Short Answer Questions

1. When does John Paul die?

2. What does Merton desire just before going to Olean?

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

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

5. Where is Olean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 experienced times of unhappiness during his childhood. What experiences described in the book show that Merton was sometimes unhappy as a child? Discuss the impact of these childhood experiences on Merton's later life.

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This section contains 242 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample