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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 ability would Boethius like the evil to lose?

2. What position does Philosophy argue would not even be enough to provide happiness?

3. What does Philosophy say about the goods she lists at the start of Book 3?

4. What does Philosophy say is the next part of the conversation?

5. What is Boethius' state of mind at the start of Book 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Book III claim about the insufficiency of achieving a high office?

2. Why does the woman correct Boethius' statement about wishing that the evil would lose the ability to persecute the good?

3. Why do the five goods eventually disappoint their possessors?

4. What does the woman liken God to and what is the significance of this analogy?

5. How would the desire of bodily pleasures balance themselves out?

6. Why do God's methods defy human reason?

7. What does the woman remind Boethius of in regards to God's governance?

8. What metaphysical principle does the woman address and why is this significant?

9. How does "The Consolation of Philosophy" define fate?

10. What is the conclusion about the happiness and man's participation in happiness?

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

One of the metaphysical principles discussed in "The Consolation of Philosophy" is the notion that the perfect causes the imperfect so that something must first possess what it causes. Discuss whether or not this is true and argue your case with a specific example, using textual references to support your stance.

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