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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. On what subject is Sei Shonagon particularly frank?
(a) The amount of her personal wealth.
(b) Bedroom behavior.
(c) Her disease.
(d) Her hatred for foreigners.

2. When was Ou-Yank Hsiu born?
(a) 1113 B.C.
(b) 1007 A.D.
(c) 208 A.D.
(d) 1345 A.D.

3. What is Richard Steele's message in his essay "Twenty-four Hours in London"?
(a) Londoners are cruel, petty people.
(b) Hedonism, in the form of drinking and carousing, is the greatest good.
(c) Everything that should be seen in London can be seen in the span of twenty-four hours.
(d) One's attitude toward the world should be one of simple enjoyment, rather than desire for material gain.

4. What reasoning does Plutarch offer in "Consolation to His Wife?"
(a) There is no sense in mourning such a bad person.
(b) There is little sense in praying, as there are no gods.
(c) Memories are nearly as good as the real person.
(d) There is no sense in mourning someone who was released quickly from their earthly prison.

5. What is the implicit message of "An Essay on the Noble Science of Self-Justification?"
(a) A woman should be allowed to express her opinion.
(b) Women, like children, should be seen and not heard.
(c) Even the greatest vices can be rationalized by the diseased mind.
(d) Humans live in a constant state of denial.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is unusual about Montaigne's first book, as opposed to any books thereafter?

2. In "Of Books," why does Montaigne quote other writers?

3. Which of the following labels BEST describe the writings of Montaigne?

4. What is Cowley's message in his essay "Of Greatness"?

5. From his second book on, what subject did Montaigne promise to pursue?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What position on slaves does Seneca take in his essay "Slaves?"

3. What personal details are included in Seneca's "Asthma"?

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

5. What is the tone of Joseph Addison's "Nicolini and the Lions?" What details of the story account for this tone?

6. Why is Samuel Johnson famous? What kind of essays did he write?

7. For what style is Abraham Cowley known for?

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

9. What is the subject of Abraham Cowley's "Of Greatness"? What point does Abraham Cowley make?

10. How does Montaigne view human nature?

(see the answer keys)

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