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. What sometimes defies human reason and understanding?

2. Why do the wicked fail to be happy?

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

4. What does a poor man need not worry about according to Philosophy?

5. What does nature ordain everything to do according to Philosophy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is implied about the choices of men and the problem of evil?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In Book II, Boethius discusses how goods of the world are not actually goods. Discuss how these interfere with achieving the highest good. Analyze why these are temporal and not able to satisfy the soul. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Boethius defines a person as an individual substance with an inherent rational nature. Discuss the impact that his definition had on philosophy and how this statement is still discussed today. Students should use the text to support their discussion and include secondary sources as needed.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 793 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample