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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 Burton's opinion, what is the benefit of large-scale disasters and diseases?

2. Aside from the common person, Burton's audience includes _____.

3. What kind of water does Burton believe is better to drink?

4. What kind of people does Burton cite as causing melancholy in Chapter 8?

5. What is the connection of Democritus and Democritus Junior?

Short Essay Questions

1. To Burton, what constitutes an "external cause" of melancholy?

2. What specifically about "melancholy" does Burton wish to discuss?

3. What is the purpose of the humors of the body?

4. Are Burton's comments on diet familiar to North American readers? Why or why not?

5. To Burton, what constitutes and "inner cause" of melancholy?

6. What are the two different schools of thought on demons discussed by Burton? What do these groups have in common?

7. Based on Burton's observations, are there fewer disease epidemics because people are sinning less? Explain.

8. What are Burton's ideas about symptoms and cures of illnesses? Are these ideas accepted today?

9. What does Burton claim are facts about spirits and demons?

10. What does Burton speculate is the origin of an unknown cause of melancholy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss where the conclusion of "The Anatomy of Melancholy" leaves the reader; what's the objective of this book?

Essay Topic 2

Burton suggests cures for melancholy. Discuss how Burton's cures connect science, religion, and logic and the feasibility and origin of such cures.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Burton's views on humanity and human nature based on his criticisms, praises, and anecdotes.

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