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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 the woman disagree with Boethius about in Book 1?

2. Who does Philosophy say Boethius cherishes?

3. Why does Philosophy say that material possessions are relatively insignificant?

4. Why does Philosophy praise Boethius' sons?

5. What are the two main characteristics of Fortune's personality?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

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

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

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

5. Who does the woman compare herself to and what is her identity?

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

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

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

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

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

Greek philosophers had a strong impact on the development of Boethius' philosophical tenets. Discuss the influence Plato, Cicero and other philosophers had on Boethius. Discuss how philosophy influenced his faith and whether Christianity undermines or supports his beliefs. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Boethius discusses God as the attainment of perfect happiness in Book III. Discuss how Boethius tries to prove God's existence based on our inadequate desires and true happiness. Students should discuss why Boethius believes seeking happiness through earthly desires is futile. Students should use the text to support their statements.

Essay Topic 3

In Book V, Boethius addresses free will. Based on "The Consolation of Philosophy", address how God can be all knowing yet allow free will. Students should use the text to support their conclusions.

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