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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Hateful Things," Sei Shonagon hates when a mosquito appears at what time?
(a) When one is having sex.
(b) When one is falling asleep.
(c) When one is getting ready to eat.
(d) When one is getting ready to take a bath.

2. What is ironic about the Montaigne essay title, "Of a Monstrous Child?"?
(a) Montaigne is in fact arguing that nothing is "monstrous" by nature.
(b) Montaigne is obliquely refer to gluttony, stating that it is born "of a monstrous child."
(c) The "monster" is a man who only behaves like a child.
(d) The child talked about is in fact saintly and kind.

3. Why is Plutarch consoling his wife in "Consolation to His Wife?"
(a) Their son died.
(b) Her mother died.
(c) Her father died.
(d) Their daughter died.

4. Who raised Charles Lamb?
(a) His grandmother.
(b) His older sister.
(c) The state.
(d) His uncle.

5. Which of the following subjects is NOT discussed in Montaigne's "On Some Verses..." essay?
(a) Divorce.
(b) Death.
(c) Disease.
(d) Vice.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Montaigne conclude in "Of a Monstrous Child?"

2. Who is the subject of Chapter 2 in the book?

3. What is the implicit message of "An Essay on the Noble Science of Self-Justification?"

4. According to Kenko, facing death should be like what?

5. Where did Maria Edgeworth get her nontraditional views from?

Short Essay Questions

1. What philosophy of death does Plutarch advise in "Consolation to His Wife?"

2. What accounts for Maria Edgeworth's nontraditional views of male/female relationships? How are these views represented in "An Essay on the Noble Science of Self-Justification"?

3. To what extent were Charles Lamb's personal essays influenced by his family background? Describe that family background.

4. How are the writings of Montaigne structured?

5. What was Michel de Montaigne's background prior to writing?

6. What subjects are talked about in "On Some Verses of Virgil?"

7. What caused Michel de Montaigne to start writing?

8. What is dealt with by Kenko in his essay "Essays in Idleness?"

9. How does Montaigne view human nature?

10. What idea sparks Montaigne to write after his first book is a success?

(see the answer keys)

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