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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 should Boethius keep in mind concerning his money?

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

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

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

5. What is Boethius' answer after the woman asks what ails him?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

9. Why does Boethius praise God?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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.

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This section contains 896 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample