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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who suggests that Merton withdraw his application for the novitiate?

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

3. How many countries has Merton lived in by the time war breaks out?

4. What did Merton and his friends grow in Olean?

5. What happens when Merton goes to confession after being told to withdraw his application for the priesthood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 experienced times of unhappiness during his childhood. What experiences described in the book show that Merton was sometimes unhappy as a child? Discuss the impact of these childhood experiences on Merton's later life.

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