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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 says that a fabricated storyline must be what?

2. Montaigne characterizes his parents' treatment of him as which of the following?

3. What type of argument does Montaigne make regarding the book that he discusses in Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 7, Essay #12?

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

5. What does Montaigne suggest is essential in order for a person to lead a good life?

Short Essay Questions

1. What consequences did his father's opinion on education have on Montaigne?

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

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

4. What does Montaigne say about the difference between a man and an animal.

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

6. What was the unusual book that Montaigne translated for his father?

7. Why was Montaigne arrested in Paris in 1588?

8. Why does Montaigne believe that solitude is important?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Montaigne believes in the reality of objective truth, ideas that exist in a perfect state, without the need for human interpretation. He believes that although he, and all other humans, are imperfect interpreters of these truths, they cannot be diminished or tarnished in any way by human failings.

1) Discuss the concept of truth that Montaigne articulates in his essays. How are truths understood and derived, and where do they come from? How do human beings interact with the truth?

2) Montaigne suggests that he may contradict himself from time to time. Discuss one example of this, and describe how Montaigne might explain his mistake. How would he justify the perfection of the truth he was attempting to express in the face of this contradiction?

3) Discuss the importance of the concept of objective truth in some of Montaigne's other philosophies. How does it relate to these other ideas, and how are his arguments bolstered by a reliance on objective truth?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Virtues like mercy are important to Montaigne and feature prominently in many of his essays. He writes extensively about the relationship between bravery and mercy in particular.

1) Explain the meaning of mercy, according to Montaigne, and how it is demonstrated in important ways in warfare. Explain how this sensibility is related to Feudal-system believes about virtue.

2) Discuss the importance that Montaigne places on bravery, and explain some of the examples that Montaigne uses to highlight bravery or boldness in the face of the enemy.

2) Summarize the relationship that Montaigne sees between bravery and mercy, explaining how bravery incites acts of mercy, and what the risks of exercising either bravery and mercy are.

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