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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 Philosophy say of Fortune?

2. What doesn't God rule over according to Boethius' song?

3. Who condemned the senate according to Boethius?

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

5. What does the woman praise Boethius for in Book 1?

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 the clothing worn by the woman who enters Boethius' cell?

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

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

5. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

6. What does Boethius believe about happiness, according to Book II and how does this relate to Christian thinking?

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

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

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

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

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

The appearance of Lady Philosophy proves significant in "The Consolation of Philosophy". In an essay, analyze the significance of the dress she wears and the symbolism of the letters on her clothing. Define symbolism and use examples from the text to support your conclusions.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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