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

Short Answer Questions

1. When does Merton plan to make a retreat at Gethsemani when writing to the Abbott?

2. Where does Merton get a job as a teacher?

3. When does John Paul die?

4. What is Merton looking for in his choice of a religious Order?

5. What does Merton feel about the war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thomas Merton's mother died when he and his brother were young children. How did his mother's death impact Merton? What his reaction to her death different than that of his brother? His father? Do you think her death changed Owen Merton's life and the relationship he had with his sons?

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

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 297 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample