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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Philosophy, what are the remarks Philosophy makes about Fortune at the beginning of the Book II?
(a) Everything Boethius needs to feel better.
(b) Only a small part of her great wisdom.
(c) Everything she has to say.
(d) Only an introduction to her main argument.

2. Why does Philosophy praise Boethius' sons?
(a) They don't squander money.
(b) They are senators.
(c) They are staying away from politics.
(d) They have his high morals.

3. What does Boethius sing about in his cell?
(a) The woman.
(b) The senate.
(c) Himself.
(d) God.

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

5. What does Philosophy say to Boethius about his feelings toward Fortune?
(a) He should love Fortune.
(b) He should rightfully be upset with Fortune.
(c) He should not unfairly accuse fortune of mistreating him.
(d) He should hate fortune.

6. What should Boethius keep in mind concerning his money?
(a) How weak his hold on it was.
(b) That his wife was using too much of it.
(c) How much he liked it.
(d) That people were jealous of him.

7. How tall is the woman that appears in Boethius' cell?
(a) Small, she could look Boethius in the eyes.
(b) Tall, her head could penetrate the heavens.
(c) Very small, her head could not reach the table.
(d) Medium size, her arms could touch the ceiling.

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

9. 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.

10. Why does Boethius want political power?
(a) To promote justice.
(b) To help friends get jobs.
(c) To be safe from persecution.
(d) For personal gain.

11. Why does Boethius say Philosophy's arguments do not soothe his pain?
(a) They arrive too late to help him.
(b) They do not solve his problem of being in prison.
(c) They are only words.
(d) His pain is too great.

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

13. What does Philosophy say could be wrong with a man of riches in her example about not being able to be truly happy?
(a) He might be crippled.
(b) He might not have a wife.
(c) He might be despised by the masses.
(d) He might not have any political power.

14. What does Philosophy say could be wrong with a man of good reputation in her example about not being able to be truly happy?
(a) He might not know God.
(b) He might be ugly.
(c) He might not be rich.
(d) He might not have a good domestic life.

15. What does the woman's bearing betray according to Boethius?
(a) Where she comes from.
(b) How young she is.
(c) How ancient she is.
(d) Who her parents are.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Fortune take pleasure in according to Philosophy?

2. What is the real cause of Boethius being miserable according to Philosophy?

3. Why does the woman tell Boethius that he is responsible for his situation?

4. What is Boethius' answer after the woman asks what ails him?

5. Why does Philosophy say no-one can truly be happy in life?

(see the answer keys)

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