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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Philosophy say to Boethius about his blessings?
(a) That Fortune didn't take them all away.
(b) That he has none.
(c) That he should strive to get more.
(d) That he should be counting them.

2. Why does Philosophy say no-one can truly be happy in life?
(a) Because something is always missing.
(b) Men are too greedy.
(c) Because being fulfilled is arrogant.
(d) God doesn't want happiness in this life for man.

3. Who does the woman compare Boethius to?
(a) Anaxagoras and Socrates.
(b) Nero and Caesar.
(c) Alexander and Brutus.
(d) Socrates and Plato.

4. What did philosophy compel Boethius to always do?
(a) Spend time thinking.
(b) Stand up for the truth.
(c) Run from a fight.
(d) Talk too much.

5. What was Boethius usually studying?
(a) Various religions of the world.
(b) Thermodynamics.
(c) Magnetism.
(d) Perfect forms of government.

6. Why is Boethius in jail?
(a) He committed murder.
(b) He stole a horse.
(c) He is visiting a friend there.
(d) He awaits death.

7. What became rusty according to the test administered by the woman to Boethius?
(a) Boethius' knife.
(b) The bars of the cell.
(c) Boethius' chariot.
(d) Boethius' mind.

8. Who is the woman in the cell with Boethius?
(a) Fortune.
(b) Philosophy.
(c) Science.
(d) Vengeance.

9. What is Boethius' answer after the woman asks what ails him?
(a) That what ails him is obvious.
(b) That his wife left him.
(c) That he can't escape.
(d) That his sons won't visit him.

10. What type of clothing is the woman wearing?
(a) A trench coat.
(b) A dress.
(c) Pants.
(d) A toga.

11. What protects Boethius from his persecutors according to the woman?
(a) The trumpets of Jericho.
(b) The sword of incompetence.
(c) The Canon of justice.
(d) The fortress of Philosophy.

12. What does Philosophy tell Boethius to be thankful for?
(a) That his mind is not bound by the walls around him.
(b) That his enemy will soon be dead.
(c) That she is here to keep him company.
(d) That Fortune allowed him to keep his wealth that long.

13. What does Philosophy tell Boethius after giving her example of happiness?
(a) He should focus on his family.
(b) He should focus on revenge.
(c) He should work on his book.
(d) He should focus on the good in his life.

14. What does the woman think of Boethius' mind?
(a) It has lower aims than philosophy.
(b) It has higher aims than mere poetry.
(c) It has too much to think about.
(d) It is very limited.

15. What was Boethius once, according to the woman?
(a) A soldier.
(b) A merchant.
(c) An admiral.
(d) A philosopher.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Philosophy say of Fortune?

2. What does Fortune love to do to men comfortable with their possessions?

3. What does Philosophy say could be wrong with a man of good reputation in her example about not being able to be truly happy?

4. Why is the woman not able to help Boethius shortly after their meeting?

5. What doesn't God rule over according to Boethius' song?

(see the answer keys)

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