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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Merton imagine a monastery to be?

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

3. What were growing interests for Merton in Olean?

4. What does Merton write in his draft papers?

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

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

Literature and reading were always important to Merton throughout his life. Was Merton's choice of William Blake as the subject of his thesis indicative of his search for God? How does Merton use literature as a guide in his life?

Essay Topic 3

Merton speaks of his parents' dislike of "spooky prejudices that devour people." What, in your opinion, are some examples of these "spooky prejudices" and does the rejection of these things by Merton's father and mother make them better or worse as parents? Do you think that Merton carried on the legacy of his parents in his adult life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 309 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample