View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Philosophy tell Boethius after giving her example of happiness?

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

4. Who does Philosophy say Boethius cherishes?

5. What does Philosophy say about Fortune's treatment of men?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

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

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

6. What does the woman say about Fortune not being malicious at the end of Book II?

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

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

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

10. Why does Boethius disagree with the woman regarding misery and what is her rebuttal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Boethius uses personification in this book. Students should write an essay that defines personification and analyzes Boethius' use of personification. Discuss why he uses a woman as a personification of philosophy and how this is significant.

Essay Topic 2

Boethius defines a person as an individual substance with an inherent rational nature. Discuss the impact that his definition had on philosophy and how this statement is still discussed today. Students should use the text to support their discussion and include secondary sources as needed.

Essay Topic 3

Boethius was influenced by Stoicism. Discuss the influence that Stoicism had on Boethius and his writing of "The Consolation of Philosophy". Students may use secondary sources as well as a primary text to develop their conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 886 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample