View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How was Boethius' life before prison?
(a) Boring.
(b) Full of hard manual work.
(c) Comfortable.
(d) Full of hatred.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Who surrounds Boethius at the start of Book 1?

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

4. What type of clothing is the woman wearing?

5. What does the woman think of Boethius' mind?

Short Essay Questions

1. What diagnosis does the Lady Philosophy make and what does she point out at the beginning of Book II?

2. At the start of Book 1 of "The Consolation of Philosophy", where is Boethius and what is he doing?

3. Why does the woman urge Boethius to break his silence?

4. Based on the woman's argument, why are material goods inherently valueless?

5. Why does the woman believe Boethius is responsible for his own suffering?

6. Why would Boethius choose not to mention the Bible in "The Consolation of Philosophy"?

7. What does the woman remind Boethius of in regards to the events and his attitude?

8. Why does the woman praise Boethius' former way of life in comparison to his present situation?

9. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

10. What is the discussion in regards to fame and high office and why is this important?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 855 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample