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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 is Boethius starting to remember at the start of Book 4?

2. Who does Philosophy say was famous for his wicked lifestyle?

3. What does God use to influence men and execute his plan for the universe?

4. What does Philosophy says doesn't mean that God has taken sides with the wicked?

5. How many sources can fame come from 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. How are actions their own rewards, as stated in Book IV?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What is the error that men run into?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Consolation of Philosophy", discuss Boethius' use of satire and how it benefits the piece of literature. Use the book to support your statements and analyze satire, particularly in the apocalyptic dialogue.

Essay Topic 2

In Book V, Boethius addresses free will. Based on "The Consolation of Philosophy", address how God can be all knowing yet allow free will. Students should use the text to support their conclusions.

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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