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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Philosophy say to Boethius about his feelings toward Fortune?

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

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

4. Why does Boethius want political power?

5. What does Philosophy tell Boethius concerning what he thinks about Fortune?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

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

3. Why is the way that the woman describes Boethius' achievement in comparison to the world significant?

4. Who does the woman liken Boethius to and why?

5. Why does Boethius praise God?

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

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

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

9. What does Boethius believe about happiness, according to Book II and how does this relate to Christian thinking?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the analogy of God being like a craftsman in "The Consolation of Philosophy". Define analogy in your essay and discuss what this analogy means, supporting your statements with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

In Book II, Boethius discusses how goods of the world are not actually goods. Discuss how these interfere with achieving the highest good. Analyze why these are temporal and not able to satisfy the soul. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Consolation of Philosophy", discuss Boethius' use of satire and how it benefits the piece of literature. Use the book to support your statements and analyze satire, particularly in the apocalyptic dialogue.

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