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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Where does Boethius usually study before going to prison?
(a) The bath house.
(b) His living room.
(c) His library.
(d) In his pool.

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

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

5. Why is the woman not able to help Boethius shortly after their meeting?
(a) He has no money to pay her.
(b) He talks too much.
(c) He is in jail.
(d) He does not talk.

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

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

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

9. Why does Philosophy justify her saying that Boethius didn't lose anything?
(a) He made a deal with fortune to get it all back.
(b) His wife and children will continue to enjoy his riches.
(c) She says he never really owned anything.
(d) All his belongings are safely hidden.

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

11. What doesn't God rule over according to Boethius' song?
(a) The sea.
(b) The birds.
(c) The woman.
(d) The affairs of men.

12. Who is seduced by the ups and downs of Fortune according to the woman?
(a) Normal men.
(b) Old people.
(c) The foolish.
(d) Women only.

13. What is the real cause of Boethius being miserable according to Philosophy?
(a) Himself.
(b) Boethius' false beliefs.
(c) Fortune robbing him of his happiness.
(d) His enemies.

14. Why does the woman tell Boethius that he is responsible for his situation?
(a) Because he always ran from his responsibilities.
(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 had too much money.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What did philosophy compel Boethius to always do?

2. According to Philosophy, what are the remarks Philosophy makes about Fortune at the beginning of the Book II?

3. What does Lady Philosophy qualify herself as a doctor of?

4. What does Philosophy reply when Boethius tells her that his pain is real and tangible?

5. Why does Boethius not understand what the woman is trying to explain to him in Book 1?

(see the answer keys)

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