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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Montaigne's story about the man leading a large number of troops, what moves the man to act with mercy?
(a) Children praying for mercy.
(b) Three holdouts fighting bravely.
(c) A group of women about to kill themselves.
(d) Monks praying in a church.

2. Montaigne suggests that deceit requires a great deal of what?
(a) Tenacity.
(b) Bravery.
(c) Intelligence.
(d) Memory.

3. Which of the following does NOT well-classify the quotations that Montaigne uses throughout his essays?
(a) Numerous.
(b) Short.
(c) Inexplicable.
(d) Diverse.

4. In one of Montaigne's stories about mercy, what position does Conrad hold?
(a) Captain.
(b) General.
(c) Emperor.
(d) King.

5. What is Montaigne's general attitude towards marriage?
(a) It should be put off.
(b) It is not for most people.
(c) It is a huge burden.
(d) It is not worth the effort.

6. Near the end of Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 3, Montaigne discusses two men who suffer from what?
(a) Hallucinations.
(b) Suicidal thoughts.
(c) The plague.
(d) Epilepsy.

7. What major factor significantly diminished the place of women in Britain?
(a) The Magna Carta.
(b) Coastal trade.
(c) Christianity.
(d) Metal smithing.

8. Montaigne suggests that a kindly person goes through life inclined towards what?
(a) Sloth.
(b) Virtue.
(c) Slow moral degradation.
(d) Further kindliness.

9. What major disease hit Bordeaux while Montaigne was in office there?
(a) Influenza.
(b) Typhus.
(c) Bubonic plague.
(d) Small pox.

10. How many famous women does Montaigne quote in his books of essays?
(a) Two.
(b) None.
(c) Three.
(d) One.

11. Montaigne recommends that men not marry until they reach what age?
(a) 40.
(b) 25.
(c) 30.
(d) 34.

12. What does Montaigne suggest is essential in order for a person to lead a good life?
(a) Discipline.
(b) A strong family.
(c) Religious dedication.
(d) Parental affection.

13. What subject does the first introduction for this book cover?
(a) Montaigne himself.
(b) The history of Europe.
(c) Philosophy in general.
(d) Translation issues.

14. The creature that Montaigne discuss near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 7, Essay #12 is able to exert a limited control over what?
(a) Its climate conditions.
(b) Its neighbors.
(c) Its food supply.
(d) Its predators.

15. How prevalent were matriarchal societies in Europe at Montaigne's time?
(a) There were only a few such societies.
(b) Only England practiced this social order.
(c) None existed.
(d) Such societies were secretive and small.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Montaigne say that father's generally view the flaws of their sons?

2. The noble who is discussed in Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 4, Essay #46 organizes his dinner guests according to what?

3. Montaigne suggests that what element of child-rearing common in his own time is not necessary?

4. In Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 2, Essays #4 and #5, Montaigne says that many consider deceit to be an essential part of what?

5. Montaigne states that his method for discussing the book that is the topic of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 7, Essay #12 is based on the writings of what philosopher?

(see the answer keys)

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