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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 find normal concerning the sudden turn of event in Boethius' life?

2. What did philosophy compel Boethius to always do?

3. What type of man is unmoved by what happens to him, good or bad?

4. Why does Philosophy say no-one can truly be happy in life?

5. What does Boethius do after hearing Philosophy's arguments on fortune?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Boethius praise God?

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

5. What is significant about the clothing worn by the woman who enters Boethius' cell?

6. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

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

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

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

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

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

Boethius wrote "The Consolation of Philosophy" while imprisoned and awaiting execution. Discuss the nature of the crimes for which Boethius was imprisoned and how the circumstances surrounding his imprisonment may have contributed to his state of mind when composing the book. Students should take the title into consideration and use examples from the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

"The Consolation of Philosophy" includes some of the poetry Boethius composed while imprisoned. In an essay, discuss the poetry and how the poems within the prose either diminish or illustrate the textual meaning. Use examples from the text to support your discussion.

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