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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 women know more than men about what?

2. What was the main motivation of the journeys that Montaigne describes in his travel journal?

3. Guiseppe was skilled in what area?

4. Montaigne writes that a wife should treat her husband as if he were what?

5. The relationship that Montaigne warned against was common among what ancient people?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Montaigne undertake his travels?

2. Why does Montaigne admire Cato?

3. Describe the course of Montaigne's journey described in Travel Journal: Chapter 15.

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

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

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

7. What does Montaigne say about truth?

8. What is Montaigne's general perspective?

9. What church promotion occurred in Trent while Montaigne was there?

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

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

In one of his essays, Montaigne discusses the act of using evil means to achieve goods ends. His opinion on this subject is nuanced and impartial.

1) Discuss, using Montaigne's examples, the major philosophical points that come into play when discussing the justification of evil means for achieving good ends.

2) Summarize Montaigne's opinion on the subject, discussing whether or not justifications can be made in certain circumstances, and what moral weight these types of actions carry.

3) Analyze Montaigne's other writings and journals and asses whether or not Montaigne appears to be consistent in his own life n the application of the recommendations he makes in his essay about using evil means for good ends. Does he sometimes break his own rules, or does he generally adhere to them?

Essay Topic 3

Montaigne's own relationship with his father was formative in his life, and it affected many of his beliefs and writings.

1) Characterize the general relationship that Montaigne and his father.

2) Describe the positive character traits that Montaigne attributes to the influence of his father. Asses the validity of these attributions and discuss some other possible traits that Montaigne failed to identify in himself.

3) Discuss the major life choices that Montaigne made which were directly or indirectly affected by his father's advice and council.

4) Describe some of the ways that Montaigne was affected by the death of his father.

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