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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's general attitude towards women was what?

2. Montaigne writes that people from what nation were often relied upon to establish and maintain social order?

3. Montaigne describes a culture that recommends bathing how often?

4. In what month did the first part of Montaigne's journey start?

5. In the culture Montaigne describes, women were discouraged from visiting public baths if they were what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Montaigne undertake his travels?

2. What does Montaigne say about the differences in the desires of men and women?

3. What are some of the powers that Roman baths are reputed to have?

4. How does Montaigne say that he was able to deal with the restrictions of marriage?

5. Describe the culture of public bathing that is discussed in Montaigne's journal.

6. According to the note at the beginning of Book 3 of Essays: Chapter 12, why is the editor interested in Montaigne's travel journals?

7. How does Montaigne says that personal character is related to repentance?

8. Why does Montaigne admire Cato?

9. What influences may have caused Montaigne to have a greater respect for women?

10. Describe the changes in languages that Montaigne encounters during the travels discussed in Travel Journal: Chapter 13?

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

During his travels, Montaigne encounters a wide range of languages in colloquial use, reflecting the rapidly changing political landscape that results from the pressures and oddities of the feudal system.

1) Describe some of the unusual trends in language use that Montaigne witnessed during his travels. Which language stood out the most, and why?

2) Montaigne was somewhat disappointed to discover that foreigners often spoke with him in French. Describe the prominence of the French language in the countries that Montaigne visited and discuss the reasons for this phenomenon.

3) Relate the spread and persistence of foreign-language use to the feudal political system that dominated medieval Europe.

Essay Topic 3

Montaigne embarked on a major journey before taking up office in Bordeaux, and the exhaustive travel journals from that trip comprise the last major work of the book.

1) Discuss Montaigne's reasons for making his journey. Based on information about the culture of the time, would his journey be seen as normal, or unusual?

2) Describe the route that Montaigne followed, and its significance in the broader context of medieval culture.

3) Summarize Montaigne's goals and assess whether or not he achieved them during his journey.

4) Describe any other unexpected benefits that Montaigne derived from his travels.

(see the answer keys)

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