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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 does a Carmelite tell the Master of Novices about Merton?

3. How does Merton imagine a monastery to be?

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

5. What action does Merton take to become a monk after lunch at the Columbia Faculty Club?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Merton had spoken with his Aunt Maude about becoming a journalist or writing novels, but changes his mind at Columbia and decides to teach. What was Merton's motivation for making this decision and what did he hope to accomplish? Does he succeed in meeting these goals? Please support your answers with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

As an adult, Merton continues to feel guilty about the way he treated his younger brother when they were children. Describe how this guilt is illustrated in the book. In your opinion, was Merton right to feel guilty?

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This section contains 336 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample