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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 there have been many examples of?

2. What is the ultimate goal of God when using the actions of the wicked?

3. What does Philosophy say about men trying to find happiness?

4. Whose plan does Lady Philosophy argue everything always goes according to?

5. What does Philosophy say of true happiness?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the essence of true happiness as introduced at the beginning of Book III?

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

3. What does the woman remark about randomness and order?

4. According to Book IV, how does happiness relate to being powerful or powerless?

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

6. What does fame come from, according to Book III of "The Consolation of Philosophy"?

7. How are actions their own rewards, as stated in Book IV?

8. Why should the five goods not be entirely dismissed?

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

10. Why is Boethius still troubled at the beginning of Book IV and what does Lady Philosophy say?

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

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

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.

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