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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Merton afraid to tell anyone when he is teaching at St. Bonaventure?

2. With whom does Merton receive the habit he will wear as a monk?

3. What does Merton say in Part 2, Chapter 2, will not save his mind from its state of sin?

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

5. What does Merton write in his draft papers?

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 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.

Essay Topic 3

Merton becomes involved with the student publications at Columbia University. Discuss in detail how working on these publications affects Merton's writing career and his spiritual quest.

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