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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Merton blame for the war, besides Hitler?

2. What stops Merton from making his retreat at Gethsemani?

3. What does Merton feel about the war?

4. What pattern of behavior is repeated in Merton's quest for the priesthood?

5. How does Merton differentiate himself from an "ordinary Catholic"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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