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. Who is seduced by the ups and downs of Fortune according to the woman?

2. Why does the woman share Boethius' cell?

3. Why does Boethius suffer according to the woman?

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

5. What is Boethius' first thought on why the woman came in his cell?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Boethius praise God?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

In "The Consolation of Philosophy", Boethius addresses the question of eternity. In an essay, discuss what Boethius means when he says that God is eternal. Use the text to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 809 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample