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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Montaigne responds to an argument that it is useless to defend Christianity from what standpoint?
(a) Rationality.
(b) Divine inspiration.
(c) Historical analysis.
(d) Empiricism.

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

3. What religion did Montaigne's mother belong to?
(a) Islam.
(b) Judaism.
(c) Catholicism.
(d) Protestantism.

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?
(a) Diplomacy.
(b) Life in general.
(c) Warfare.
(d) Bargaining.

5. Montaigne doubts affection that is based on what?
(a) Gift-giving.
(b) Reliance.
(c) Business dealings.
(d) Physical attraction.

6. One argument that Montaigne responds to is the suggestion that the book he discusses does not demonstrate that Christianity is superior to what belief system?
(a) Deism.
(b) Animism.
(c) Paganism.
(d) Atheism.

7. How often does Montaigne criticize the book that he translated in his discussion of it?
(a) His discussion is full of criticism.
(b) Occasionally.
(c) Very often.
(d) Never.

8. The philosopher that Montaigne quotes on the subject of authority believes that authority is most secure when derived from what source?
(a) Divine right.
(b) Power.
(c) Friendship.
(d) Skill.

9. What type of argument does Montaigne make regarding the book that he discusses in Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 7, Essay #12?
(a) Extemporaneous.
(b) Discursive.
(c) Elective.
(d) Didactic.

10. The noble who is discussed in Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 4, Essay #46 organizes his dinner guests according to what?
(a) Area of land owned.
(b) Wealth.
(c) Height.
(d) Surname.

11. In Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 3, Essay #10, Montaigne discussed the cultural practices of what people?
(a) The Jews.
(b) The Arabs.
(c) The Turks.
(d) The Egyptians.

12. What city-state in Greece was notable for supporting a matriarchal society for a long time in Greece?
(a) Thebes.
(b) Athens.
(c) Crete.
(d) Sparta.

13. What philosopher does Montaigne quote briefly on the subject of authority?
(a) Hume.
(b) Locke.
(c) Descartes.
(d) Terence.

14. What treatment of children by parents does Montaigne cite as leading to specific character traits?
(a) Scolding.
(b) Violence.
(c) Neglect.
(d) Apathy.

15. In Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 3, Essay #10, Montaigne notes that the people he discusses tend to leave scars with what type of surgical procedure?
(a) Leeching.
(b) Stitching.
(c) Blood-letting.
(d) Cauterizing.

Short Answer Questions

1. The unusual book that Montaigne's father came into possession of was written using the words endings from what language?

2. What method of governance dominated Europe in Montaigne's time?

3. In one of Montaigne's stories about mercy, what position does Conrad hold?

4. Who was the target audience of the social experiment that Montaigne discusses near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 8?

5. In Montaigne's story about the man leading a large number of troops, what moves the man to act with mercy?

(see the answer keys)

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