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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. In Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 2, Montaigne describes how the prince of what region gained control over part of France?

2. The civil wars that occurred in Montaigne's country during his early years as an adult were primarily fought over what issues?

3. What philosopher did Montaigne believe to have been a major influence on the unusual book that he translated?

4. Near the end of Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 3, the two men that Montaigne discusses are cured of their affliction through what?

5. The creature that Montaigne discuss near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 7, Essay #12 is known for building what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was Montaigne's general attitude towards marriage?

3. What occurrence that is related to Sebond's work does Montaigne say he is proud of?

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

5. What was the goal of the social experiment that Montaigne describes near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 8?

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

7. Why does Montaigne discuss swaddling clothes?

8. What unusual rule did Knights of the Spanish order that Montaigne discusses have to obey, and why?

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

10. What method does Montaigne use to discuss Sebond's work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Montaigne regards lying to be a major vice, but one which he makes a minor exception for in certain cases. He discusses this vice in detail, describing some ways that it causes problems for those who indulge in it, and discussing ways that lies can be discovered.

1) Describe Montaigne's opinion about the acceptability of lying. Does he believe it is a vice in all cases? Does Montaigne believe that some lies are morally acceptable, or even desirable?

2) Discuss the negative effects that Montaigne says lying has on those who compulsively or frequently lie.

3) Explain the strategies that Montaigne recommends for identifying and uncovering lies.

Essay Topic 2

Montaigne believes solitude to be exceedingly important in the pursuit of honestly and unfiltered self-analysis, a goal he regards as being objectively desirable. He claims that one's thought and words are affected by others, even if only out of politeness and sociability, and that this filtering acts to hinder proper, honest thought.

1) Explain why Montaigne believes that achieving honest self-analysis is a desirable goal. Discuss some of the prerequisites that Montaigne sees as being necessary for achieving this goal.

2) Discuss the effect that Montaigne believes other people have on an individual's thought processes. Is this reaction essential good or bad? Is it dishonest or sincere?

3) Describe the importance that Montaigne places on solitude, and what he believes people should do to benefit most from the experience of solitude. How does this belief tie into his assertion about self-analysis?

Essay Topic 3

Montaigne is interested in the subject of Christian apologetics (or apologists), the rational defense and explanation of the faith. He discusses Sebond's apologetic work at great length, and extends many supporting arguments for it in addition to his own original thesis.

1) Explain the subject of apologetics and its importance, according to Montaigne.

2) Summarize Montaigne's most important opinions and ideas on the subject of Christian apologetics.

3) Discuss the importance of this philosophical field in the context of the religious conflict of Montaigne's era.

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