The Seven Storey Mountain

How does Merton’s philosophy on life and religion evolve over the course of the autobiography?

Analyze how Merton’s attitude toward one of the following shifts over the course of the story and provide evidence that supports how and why it shifts: politics, philosophy, or art/literature.

What drives Merton toward life as a Trappist monk? Provide specific evidence from the text to support your response.

Merton faces many difficult moments on his journey, such as losing loved ones, running out of money, and his initial rejection from the priesthood. Choose one of these moments and analyze how Merton’s response to this adversity shapes his character arc.

Why do you think Merton titled the book The Seven Storey Mountain? What does this mean, and how does it reflect the text?

How would you characterize Merton’s life in the monastery? How does that compare to his life before, both as a new Catholic and as a young man trying to navigate the world?

Why do you think Merton chooses to end the book the way he does, with a poem to his brother and an Epilogue that ventures into some new territory? How does this shape your understanding of the work?

What do you believe is Merton’s purpose for writing this autobiography? Provide evidence from the text to support your response.