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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. In one of Montiagne's stories, what does the man force the group of people to do as part of a social experiment?

2. What social class was Montaigne born into?

3. What is Montaigne's general attitude towards marriage?

4. How many terms did Montaigne serve in office in Bordeaux?

5. What does the unusual rule Montaigne discusses in Book 1 of Essays: Chapter 3, Essay #48 stipulate?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Montaigne says about the equality of vices?

2. What occurrence that is related to Sebond's work does Montaigne say he is proud of?

3. Why was Montaigne arrested in Paris in 1588?

4. What dose Montaigne say are the consequences of failing to provide a child with parental affection?

5. Why does Montaigne use few quotations from women in his essays?

6. What does Montaigne say about the difference between a man and an animal.

7. Why does Montaigne say that parental affection is important for a child's development?

8. What is Montaigne's opinion on evil means used for a good end?

9. What effects does Montaigne say that bravery can bring about in the enemy?

10. What consequences did his father's opinion on education have on Montaigne?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Montaigne believes solitude to be exceedingly important in the pursuit of honestly and unfiltered self-analysis, a goal he regards as being objectively desirable. He claims that one's thought and words are affected by others, even if only out of politeness and sociability, and that this filtering acts to hinder proper, honest thought.

1) Explain why Montaigne believes that achieving honest self-analysis is a desirable goal. Discuss some of the prerequisites that Montaigne sees as being necessary for achieving this goal.

2) Discuss the effect that Montaigne believes other people have on an individual's thought processes. Is this reaction essential good or bad? Is it dishonest or sincere?

3) Describe the importance that Montaigne places on solitude, and what he believes people should do to benefit most from the experience of solitude. How does this belief tie into his assertion about self-analysis?

Essay Topic 2

In one of his essays, Montaigne discusses the act of using evil means to achieve goods ends. His opinion on this subject is nuanced and impartial.

1) Discuss, using Montaigne's examples, the major philosophical points that come into play when discussing the justification of evil means for achieving good ends.

2) Summarize Montaigne's opinion on the subject, discussing whether or not justifications can be made in certain circumstances, and what moral weight these types of actions carry.

3) Analyze Montaigne's other writings and journals and asses whether or not Montaigne appears to be consistent in his own life n the application of the recommendations he makes in his essay about using evil means for good ends. Does he sometimes break his own rules, or does he generally adhere to them?

Essay Topic 3

The issue of parenting is very important to Montaigne, and his views on the subject are surprisingly modern. He has a great deal to say about proper methods of parenting, especially from the perspective of the father.

1) Explain the role does Montaigne believe a father should fill in a child's life, including his duties and responsibilities.

2) Discuss Montaigne's assessment of the importance of parental affection. How much attention does Montaigne recommend, and why does he believe this topic to be of particular importance?

3) Discuss Montaigne's stance on the issue of discipline and punishment for children. Why does he recommend against the use of physical punishment?

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