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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Boethius want political power?
(a) To help friends get jobs.
(b) To be safe from persecution.
(c) For personal gain.
(d) To promote justice.

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

3. How tall is the woman that appears in Boethius' cell?
(a) Tall, her head could penetrate the heavens.
(b) Very small, her head could not reach the table.
(c) Medium size, her arms could touch the ceiling.
(d) Small, she could look Boethius in the eyes.

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

5. What is the highest possible good according to Philosophy?
(a) Happiness.
(b) Friendship.
(c) Gold.
(d) Political power.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Boethius say of Philosophy's arguments?

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

4. What did philosophy compel Boethius to always do?

5. What protects Boethius from his persecutors according to the woman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the title, "The Consolation of Philosophy"?

2. What does the woman tell Boethius regarding his suffering?

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

4. What is significant about the changing height of the woman who enters Boethius' cell?

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

6. What does Lady Philosophy disagree with his view on providence at the end of Book 1?

7. Why does Boethius praise God?

8. What is the significance of the woman's discussion with Boethius on blessings when Boethius complains about the tangibility of his pain?

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

10. According to Lady Philosophy, what was on loan to him and subject to being revoked?

(see the answer keys)

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