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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Regardless of a man's nature, it is impossible to erase from his soul the influence of what?

2. According to the author, the German soul was once considered to be:

3. What is the name of the theory that says men should overcome laughter?

4. What does Nietzsche believe has been responsible for the education of the spirit?

5. Who was Socrates' famous student mentioned in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Nietzsche's lament regarding the German soul?

2. What happens once the friends arrive in the summer garden? How do they greet the author?

3. The book's translator shares a story about the first known copy of "Aftersong." Where was it? How was it different than the later versions?

4. How does Nietzsche view faith versus knowledge? To what philosopher does Nietzsche refer?

5. Why is leisure an issue for some cultures? How has leisure been forced upon society?

6. What is the paradox in loving one's enemies as it is suggested in various religions?

7. How do the virtues of the modern man compare to those of old?

8. Nietzsche asks if there is a name for those who are no longer friends. What has changed about the friendships?

9. How does skepticism affect modern day Europe? What does the author think of skepticism in Germany?

10. What is the danger in the evolution of the democratic movement in Europe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Madness is rare in the individual, but thrives in groups and nations. What kind of madness is more likely to take place in groups than in an individual? Is mass hysteria a kind of madness? What kind of actions might be taken by a group that suffers from madness? How do those actions compare to the actions of a mad individual? How does religious madness play into Nietzsche's theory?

Essay Topic 2

Allowing oneself to be depreciated, lied to and robbed could be considered as the modesty of God among men. Why do many religious figures believe that one must suffer in order to be close to God, to be holy? Do you believe that this has any credence? Explain. Is this belief why so many people worship martyrs or why martyrs are often made into saints? Is it possible to be holy, to be close to God without a great deal of suffering? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Whosoever fights monsters should be sure, that in fighting he himself does not become a monster. "And when you look into the abyss, the abyss also looks into you." This is a common thought among people who investigate heinous crimes. Examine why and how it is possible that by studying monsters one can become a monster. Reference a story like Jekyll and Hyde to prove your point.

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