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

2. Montaigne's general attitude towards women was what?

3. Guiseppe was skilled in what area?

4. In his writing, Montaigne avoids becoming excessively what?

5. How does Montaigne describe the useful substance that can be gathered from some public water?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What qualities interest Montaigne about public water?

4. Why did Montaigne write his travel journals?

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

6. What was Montaigne's general attitude towards women?

7. What disappointed Montaigne in Rome?

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

9. What are Montaigne's influences in his "Apology to Raymond Sebond"?

10. What was St. George noted for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Along with virtues, Montaigne is interested in the concept of vices. He defines strict rules for determining whether or not a bad habit can be considered a vice, and discusses the effects that these behaviors have on the spiritual life of a human being.

1) Explain what, according to Montaigne, constitutes a vice. Discuss the differences that Montaigne sees between habits that are simply poorly judged or looked down upon, and actual vices.

2) Explain the relationship that Montaigne sees between sin and vice.

3) Discuss the impact that Montaigne believes vices have on a person's life, in terms of their physical well-being, their relationships, and their spiritual life.

(see the answer keys)

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