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

Short Answer Questions

1. What contrast does Abelard describe between early practice and current practice?

2. For what did Heloise ask Peter the Venerable in her response?

3. Why aren't outward manifestations reliable in indicating devotion, according to Heloise?

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

5. What was Heloise's response to Peter the Venerable's letter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the God to whom Abelard and Heloise show their devotion. What does he want, how does he behave, and what kind of behavior does he encourage in human beings? Does he ever respond to their prayers? How, or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Peter the Venerable's letter to the pope is the first interjection from outside of Abelard and Heloise. What is Peter the Venerable's role in this epistolary conversation? What is his authority in this relationship? How does his appearance change the correspondence?

Essay Topic 3

What is the power of prayer supposed to be in these letters? Are the letters themselves prayers? How is prayer distinct from these letters?

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This section contains 245 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample