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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Abelard rely on in providing a rule for the lives of the nuns at Paraclete?
(a) Scripture.
(b) His monastery's practices.
(c) Different religions' monastic practices.
(d) Ancient practices.

2. How are things distributed in poverty, according to Abelard?
(a) According to need.
(b) According to deserving.
(c) According to right.
(d) According to power.

3. For what is Heloise arguing in Letter 6?
(a) An absolute rule for burdens.
(b) Contextual application of burdens.
(c) A case-by-case standard for burdens.
(d) Rules that respect gender differences.

4. How does Abelard say errors should be corrected?
(a) Reciprocally.
(b) Leniently.
(c) Compassionately.
(d) Vigorously.

5. What contrast does Abelard describe between early practice and current practice?
(a) Humble women celebrating Christ and current bishops strutting in robes.
(b) Saints and serving women.
(c) Serving women and saints.
(d) Martyrs and bureaucrats.

6. What does Peter the Venerable say he is particularly impressed by?
(a) Heloise's graceful movements.
(b) Heloise's learning.
(c) Heloise's beauty.
(d) Heloise's devotion to Abelard.

7. Why did the sender of Letter 9 think that the action Abelard took was appropriate?
(a) It fit his age and calling.
(b) It repaired the split with the letter's recipient.
(c) It demonstrated contrition.
(d) It showed deference.

8. What provision does Heloise ask Abelard to include in what he makes for her?
(a) Special standards for the more devout nuns.
(b) Rewards for nuns who are the most devout.
(c) Exclusions for nuns who do not follow the rules.
(d) Exceptions for the old, young, and weak.

9. When was letter 9 likely written?
(a) 1158.
(b) 1140.
(c) 1181.
(d) 1164.

10. How does Abelard define poverty?
(a) Refusal to own property.
(b) Wealth in divine possessions.
(c) Lack of property.
(d) Wisdom.

11. Why aren't outward manifestations reliable in indicating devotion, according to Heloise?
(a) They vary from person to person.
(b) People can learn them from each other.
(c) They can be feigned.
(d) They are not reliable.

12. What else does Heloise ask Abelard in Letter 6?
(a) To describe his devotional practice.
(b) To describe the people at his monastery.
(c) To describe the authority due to one in her position.
(d) To declare his love for her.

13. What news about Abelard does the sender of Letter 9 relate?
(a) That he is accused of heresy.
(b) That he has proposed an order for nuns.
(c) That he is becoming a popular leader.
(d) That he is instituting progressive reforms.

14. What qualities must distinguish an Abbess, in Abelard's opinion?
(a) Lifelong chastity.
(b) Broad life experience.
(c) Management experience.
(d) Learning and teaching.

15. Whom does Abelard say Jesus honored?
(a) Prostitutes.
(b) Widows.
(c) Virgins.
(d) Serving women.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Peter the Venerable say Abelard's last days with him were devoted to?

2. Which is not a part of the Rule Abelard describes to Heloise in Letter 8?

3. Where does Heloise find justification for what she asks Abelard in Letter 6?

4. Where did Peter the Venerable send Abelard?

5. How does Abelard say women acted in the early church?

(see the answer keys)

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