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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. What was Montaigne's father's opinion on education?

3. In one of Montaigne's stories, the man who performs a kind of social experiment on people of a lower social station had what profession?

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

5. Montaigne suggests that a kindly person goes through life inclined towards what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Montaigne say about marriage near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 5?

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

3. Why does Montaigne discuss swaddling clothes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The city of Rome in Montaigne's time was exceptionally large and popular as a destination for pilgrims and travelers like Montaigne, who writes at length about the great city.

1) Explain Rome's importance in medieval Europe as a center for religion, commerce, and travel.

2) Discuss Montaigne's expectations for Rome, and the reasons he had for going there. What sites did Montaigne look forward to seeing, and what do these interests say about the culture of the time?

3) Describe the city as shown in Montaigne's journals. How did it match or differ from his expectations, and in what major ways was he disappointed or surprised? Make an assessment of the nature of the city as a whole.

Essay Topic 2

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.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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