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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. Montaigne responds to an argument that it is useless to defend Christianity from what standpoint?

2. In Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 3, Essay #48, Montaigne discusses an unusual rule instituted by knights of what nation?

3. How many famous women does Montaigne quote in his books of essays?

4. Montaigne says that a fabricated storyline must be what?

5. Montaigne suggests that it is difficult to do what with war horses?

Short Essay Questions

1. What factors in Europe tended to restrict the social status of women?

2. Why does Montaigne say that parental affection is important for a child's development?

3. Why does Montaigne use few quotations from women in his essays?

4. What decision does the soldier have to make in Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 2, Essay #3?

5. What problem does Henry, the duke of Normandy, experience in one of Montaigne's stories?

6. What was the cause of most religious wars in Europe in Montaigne's time?

7. What is the purpose of this book, according to Montaigne?

8. How does Montaigne suggest that virtue is different from kindliness?

9. Why does Montaigne believe it is possible to laugh and cry about the same thing?

10. How does Montaigne suggest that a liar can be caught?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Entering into marriage, Montaigne did not expect to be a good husband. However, he exceeded his own expectations and became very interested in the subject of marriage, writing extensively about it in several essays.

1) Discuss Montaigne's opinion of marriage and how it changed over the course of his life.

2) Explain the differences that Montaigne sees in how men and women are prepared for married life.

3) Discuss the warnings and recommendations that Montaigne gives to both men and women for entering into married life. What are his reasons for giving this advice?

4) Assess how Montaigne's opinions would be viewed in the broader context of the culture of his time. Was he progressive or conservative? Did he believe in women's rights in marriage, or was he dismissive of them?

Essay Topic 2

The city of Rome in Montaigne's time was exceptionally large and popular as a destination for pilgrims and travelers like Montaigne, who writes at length about the great city.

1) Explain Rome's importance in medieval Europe as a center for religion, commerce, and travel.

2) Discuss Montaigne's expectations for Rome, and the reasons he had for going there. What sites did Montaigne look forward to seeing, and what do these interests say about the culture of the time?

3) Describe the city as shown in Montaigne's journals. How did it match or differ from his expectations, and in what major ways was he disappointed or surprised? Make an assessment of the nature of the city as a whole.

Essay Topic 3

The Protestant Revolution was a major event still in its development in Europe in Montaigne's time. Leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin sparked a revolution in religion that led to numerous civil and religious wars.

1) Explain the origins of the protestant revolution as explained by Montaigne, including its leaders, major philosophical and religious works, and its ideological basis.

2) Discuss Montaigne's opinion about the spread of protestant ideas and the subject of censorship.

3) Describe some of the impacts that the ongoing protestant revolution had on Europe in Montaigne's time, including the frequent religious wars and internal strife that it caused. What effects did these event have on Montaigne?

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