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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does Fortune take pleasure in according to Philosophy?
(a) Its resourcefulness.
(b) Its unreliability.
(c) Its own predictability.
(d) Its greed.

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

4. What does Philosophy say about Boethius' feelings toward fortune at the start of Book II?
(a) That he is longing for it.
(b) His health.
(c) His comfort.
(d) That he hates it.

5. Why does the woman tell Boethius that he is responsible for his situation?
(a) Because he had too much money.
(b) Because a philosopher does not need books or libraries to be a philosopher.
(c) Because he didn't became Emperor when he had the chance.
(d) Because he always ran from his responsibilities.

6. Why does Boethius suffer according to the woman?
(a) Because of his commitment to her.
(b) Because of his son's actions.
(c) Because of barbarian invasion.
(d) Because of his many sins.

7. What does Philosophy reply when Boethius tells her that his pain is real and tangible?
(a) That she has not gotten to the substance of her treatment.
(b) That she can heal him with her hands.
(c) That she is not a doctor.
(d) That the spirit has power over the body.

8. What does Philosophy say of Fortune?
(a) It is a friend.
(b) It is like a child.
(c) It is a muse.
(d) It is a monster.

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

10. Who surrounds Boethius at the start of Book 1?
(a) Prison guard.
(b) Other prisoners.
(c) Muses.
(d) Rats.

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

12. What gift did God give to men according to Boethius?
(a) Houses.
(b) Curiosity.
(c) Freedom.
(d) Knowledge.

13. 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.

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

15. Who condemned the senate according to Boethius?
(a) Cleopatra.
(b) Julius Caesar.
(c) Marc Antony.
(d) Emperor Hadrian.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. What type of man is unmoved by what happens to him, good or bad?

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

5. What does Philosophy tell Boethius concerning what he thinks about Fortune?

(see the answer keys)

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