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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. The philosopher that Montaigne quotes on the subject of authority believes that authority is most secure when derived from what source?

2. Near the end of Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 3, Montaigne discusses two men who suffer from what?

3. What century did Montaigne live in?

4. Montaigne acknowledges that it is less of a vice to lie in order to avoid which of the following?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What important contribution did Gutenburg make?

8. Why was Montaigne arrested in Paris in 1588?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The subject of repentance is central to Montaigne's religion, and he expresses sincere and powerful opinions on the subject, making clear distinctions about what can be repented for, and how this act can be cathartic or destructive.

1) Discuss what repentance means to Montaigne, why it is important to a healthy spiritual life, and how its misuse can be harmful.

2) Describe the limits and rules that Montaigne recommends for repentance. What type of acts does he say cannot be repented of?

3) Discuss Montaigne's assessment of the importance of repentance in Christianity and in Catholicism specifically. Explain how these ideas relate to Montaigne's own opinions.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout his life, Montaigne was touched by the effects of death, and mortality was a constant but understated part of his thoughts and beliefs.

1) Summarize the losses that Montaigne experienced during his lifetime.

2) Discuss the impact that these losses had on Montaigne, and the reasons he had for avoiding writing about them in his works.

3) Describe the effect that mortality had on Montaigne's thinking and his works.

4) Describe how Montaigne was able to cope with the frequent loss of life that he witnessed.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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