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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. 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.

4. What does the woman praise Boethius for in Book 1?
(a) His business.
(b) His former life.
(c) His poetry.
(d) His look.

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

6. What is Boethius forced to do after hearing Philosophy's arguments?
(a) Escape.
(b) Complain
(c) Agree with her.
(d) Remain silent.

7. Why does Philosophy say that material possessions are relatively insignificant?
(a) Because they can be taken away by enemies.
(b) Because only God can give happiness.
(c) Because the body perishes.
(d) Because of taxation.

8. What are the two main characteristics of Fortune's personality?
(a) Confident and extroverted.
(b) Introverted and fearful.
(c) Playful and revengeful.
(d) Indifferent and chaotic.

9. 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.

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

11. What was Boethius aware of concerning Fortune?
(a) That it exalts and humbles.
(b) That he had too much.
(c) That it is temporary.
(d) That he should have shared it.

12. What does Boethius do after hearing Philosophy's arguments on fortune?
(a) He starts to think of ways to escape.
(b) He accepts his fate.
(c) He prays to Fortune.
(d) He complains.

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

14. What does Philosophy say about Fortune's treatment of men?
(a) That fortune treats everyone equally.
(b) That fortune is very choosy.
(c) That fortune only treats women well.
(d) That fortune doesn't know how to choose worthy people.

15. What is stitched on the woman's clothes?
(a) A list of Rome's gods.
(b) A cross and letter Theta.
(c) A star and letter Alpha.
(d) The letters Pi and Theta.

Short Answer Questions

1. What gift did God give to men according to Boethius?

2. What does Philosophy tell Boethius after giving her example of happiness?

3. What does the woman disagree with Boethius about in Book 1?

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

5. What does Philosophy tell Boethius not do while she exposes her arguments in Book II?

(see the answer keys)

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