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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 is the highest possible good according to Philosophy?

2. What was Boethius aware of concerning Fortune?

3. How is Boethius feeling after the woman's speech about the ups and downs of Fortune?

4. What was Boethius usually studying?

5. What does Philosophy find normal concerning the sudden turn of event in Boethius' life?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Although providence can prove difficult to understand, it can be explained as the reason of God and the order of the universe. Discuss what Boethius believes about God's plan for the world and how it relates to fate. Students should use examples from the text to support their discussion.

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