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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 3, Essay #10, Montaigne notes that the people he discusses tend to leave scars with what type of surgical procedure?

2. How many famous women does Montaigne quote in his books of essays?

3. Montaigne recommends that men not marry until they reach what age?

4. Montaigne suggests that deceit requires a great deal of what?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Montaigne use few quotations from women in his essays?

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

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

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

6. Why was Montaigne arrested in Paris in 1588?

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

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

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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