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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. What religion was Montaigne raised in?

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

4. Who is the father of the noble who is discussed in Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 4, Essay #46?

5. About what percentage of Bordeaux's population died as a result of the major disease that hit it while Montaigne was in office there?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Montaigne's opinion on evil means used for a good end?

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

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

4. What is Montaigne's opinion of war horses in general?

5. What is strange about the way Feudalism tends to divide territory?

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

7. Why was Montaigne arrested in Paris in 1588?

8. How does Montaigne believe that judgment about lying are influenced by motive?

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

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

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

Montaigne's own relationship with his father was formative in his life, and it affected many of his beliefs and writings.

1) Characterize the general relationship that Montaigne and his father.

2) Describe the positive character traits that Montaigne attributes to the influence of his father. Asses the validity of these attributions and discuss some other possible traits that Montaigne failed to identify in himself.

3) Discuss the major life choices that Montaigne made which were directly or indirectly affected by his father's advice and council.

4) Describe some of the ways that Montaigne was affected by the death of his father.

Essay Topic 3

The issue of parenting is very important to Montaigne, and his views on the subject are surprisingly modern. He has a great deal to say about proper methods of parenting, especially from the perspective of the father.

1) Explain the role does Montaigne believe a father should fill in a child's life, including his duties and responsibilities.

2) Discuss Montaigne's assessment of the importance of parental affection. How much attention does Montaigne recommend, and why does he believe this topic to be of particular importance?

3) Discuss Montaigne's stance on the issue of discipline and punishment for children. Why does he recommend against the use of physical punishment?

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