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

Short Answer Questions

1. What sin is Merton most concerned with when he begins to write poetry?

2. What sends Merton into a frustrating "holding pattern"?

3. Why does Merton go to Friendship House often?

4. What does Merton's brother do before leaving on his voyage?

5. What does the Baroness tell Merton when he questions his spiritual path and calling?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Merton had much better school experiences at Ripley Court in England than at the Lycee in France. Using examples from the book, compare and contrast Merton's schooling in the two countries and discuss what impact his family may or may not have had on his school years.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Merton expands his understanding of Catholicism essentially by mistake when he purchases "The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy" without knowing it is a Catholic book. Discuss why Merton would be "angry" when he finds he has bought a Catholic book and how reading it changed his mind.

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