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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When did the practice of monasteries and convents begin?

2. How does God view virtue in pagans, according to Abelard in Letter 7?

3. When was letter 9 likely written?

4. Who was Peter the Venerable?

5. What did the sender of Letter 9 advise Abelard to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Prepare an argument for or against the proposition that the best way for wealthy people to gain virtue is to give up their possessions and practice poverty.

Essay Topic 2

Evaluate the story of Abelard and Heloise as a love story. Is it compelling, tragic, uplifting, unique? Is it an allegory for all lovers or a historical document pertaining to two people alone?

Essay Topic 3

What is the role of the outside world on the story of Abelard and Heloise? Where does it figure in their letters, and how does it affect their story? How does French monastic and political history appear to us through the lens of these letters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 211 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample