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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Merton looking for in his choice of a religious Order?
(a) He prefers an Order that allows him to converse with lay people.
(b) He wants an Order that is located near his university.
(c) He wants an Order that will let him join the war effort.
(d) He wants an Order that gives him solitude and silence.

2. Which saint becomes important to Merton when he receives the Baronness' advice?
(a) St. Catherine of Siena.
(b) St. Mary of Gethsemani.
(c) St. Brigid of Ireland.
(d) St. Therese of Lisieux.

3. How does Merton imagine a monastery to be?
(a) The brothers want to advance in their religious careers.
(b) The brothers are all pious and devoted.
(c) The brothers argue constantly.
(d) The brothers are plagued by doubt.

4. What prompted Merton to confess his sins to the abbot?
(a) Merton's medical emergency.
(b) The abbot's forgiving demeanor.
(c) Merton's trip to Cuba.
(d) A discussion with Dan Walsh.

5. What does a Carmelite tell the Master of Novices about Merton?
(a) That Merton followed the teachings of the saints.
(b) That Merton was his role model.
(c) That Merton deserved to be a monk.
(d) That Merton was converted to faith by reading James Joyce.

6. What was Merton hoping to gain at his country cottage?
(a) A replacement for school classes.
(b) Excitement and fun.
(c) A romantic relationship.
(d) Order and structure in his life.

7. What stops Merton from making his retreat at Gethsemani?
(a) He hears his brother is ill.
(b) He receives a second draft notice.
(c) He volunteers for duty in the infantry.
(d) He decides to stay at Friendship House.

8. What name is Merton given upon joining the community of monks?
(a) Frater Thomas.
(b) Frater Joyce.
(c) Frater Louis.
(d) Frater William.

9. Why does Merton register for the draft in the way that he does?
(a) He is morally opposed to war.
(b) He wants to gain attention and fame.
(c) He follows the advice of his religious teachers.
(d) He opposes the methods of warfare.

10. What do Merton and his friends do in Olean?
(a) They play team sports.
(b) They develop a monastery-like environment.
(c) They study drama and religion.
(d) They have an automobile accident.

11. Who does Merton blame for the war, besides Hitler?
(a) His professors.
(b) The French people.
(c) His father.
(d) Himself.

12. What does Merton write in his draft papers?
(a) That he can't argue there is no just war.
(b) That he is ready to fight the enemy.
(c) That he won't go into the military because he is religious.
(d) That he must receive a teaching exemption.

13. What does Merton see as his vocation while he is in Olean?
(a) Lecturing.
(b) Writing.
(c) Painting.
(d) Praying.

14. What details of war make Merton uncomfortable?
(a) Bombing raids and the death of innocent people.
(b) The hierarchy of the military.
(c) The destruction of monasteries.
(d) The experiences of the infantry.

15. How many countries has Merton lived in by the time war breaks out?
(a) Four.
(b) Six.
(c) Three.
(d) Five .

Short Answer Questions

1. What country does Merton visit while waiting to enter the novitiate?

2. Where does John Paul die?

3. What does Merton have to do upon joining the monastery?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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