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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. 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) She says he never really owned anything.
(c) His wife and children will continue to enjoy his riches.
(d) All his belongings are safely hidden.

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

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

5. What does Philosophy tell Boethius not do while she exposes her arguments in Book II?
(a) Be happy.
(b) Be destitute.
(c) Pay attention.
(d) Run away.

6. What does Philosophy find normal concerning the sudden turn of event in Boethius' life?
(a) That Boethius is upset.
(b) That Boethius is happy.
(c) That Boethius is sad.
(d) That Boethius is crying.

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

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

9. What does the woman disagree with Boethius about in Book 1?
(a) That the earth is flat.
(b) That he can't escape from prison.
(c) That God is all powerful.
(d) That the affairs of men are beyond Divine Providence.

10. 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.

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

12. Why does Boethius not understand what the woman is trying to explain to him in Book 1?
(a) He has a limited intellect.
(b) The woman does not speak his language.
(c) He is malnourished.
(d) His suffering seems quite real.

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

14. How many sons does Boethius have?
(a) 4 sons.
(b) 2 sons.
(c) 3 sons.
(d) 5 sons.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is seduced by the ups and downs of Fortune according to the woman?

2. Why does Boethius say Philosophy's arguments do not soothe his pain?

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

4. What does the woman's bearing betray according to Boethius?

5. What is Boethius forced to do after hearing Philosophy's arguments?

(see the answer keys)

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