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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 extra time is often allotted to prepare war horses for what?

2. What language was this book originally written in?

3. In Montaigne's story about the man leading a large number of troops, what moves the man to act with mercy?

4. What creature dose Montaigne discuss near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 7, Essay #12?

5. In one of Montaigne's stories, the man named Parmenio has to awaken whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What effects does Montaigne say that bravery can bring about in the enemy?

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

3. Why was Montaigne arrested in Paris in 1588?

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

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

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

7. Why does Montaigne think that Christianity is superior to other religions?

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

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

10. Why does Montaigne believe that solitude is important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Montaigne was obsessed with the nature and quality of local waters and other mundane items such as plates and cutlery. Throughout his travels, he makes careful note of the qualities of these items and appears to take great pleasure in analyzing and reporting on them.

1) Discuss the importance of local drinking water in medieval Europe, and describe some of the common features that Montaigne describes which might be out of place in modern Europe.

2) Discuss the reasons that might explain Montaigne's interest in these subjects.

3) Describe Montaigne's general opinion about the quality of water and other common goods and wares available throughout the areas he visited compared to those available in his home country.

Essay Topic 2

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.

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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