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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. Near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 8, Montaigne discusses means of what type?

2. What city-state in Greece was notable for supporting a matriarchal society for a long time in Greece?

3. What factor tends to restrict the conditions for women?

4. What does Montaigne say about how bad a vice lying is in general?

5. What language was this book originally written in?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What dose Montaigne say that soldiers sometimes have to resort to for survival?

4. What does Montaigne say about marriage near the end of Book 2 of Essays: Chapter 5?

5. What was the unusual book that Montaigne translated for his father?

6. Why does Montaigne believe it is possible to laugh and cry about the same thing?

7. Why does Montaigne discuss swaddling clothes?

8. What method does Montaigne use to discuss Sebond's work?

9. What was the cause of most religious wars in Europe in Montaigne's time?

10. Why does Montaigne believe that solitude is important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Montaigne is interested in the subject of Christian apologetics (or apologists), the rational defense and explanation of the faith. He discusses Sebond's apologetic work at great length, and extends many supporting arguments for it in addition to his own original thesis.

1) Explain the subject of apologetics and its importance, according to Montaigne.

2) Summarize Montaigne's most important opinions and ideas on the subject of Christian apologetics.

3) Discuss the importance of this philosophical field in the context of the religious conflict of Montaigne's era.

Essay Topic 2

Virtues like mercy are important to Montaigne and feature prominently in many of his essays. He writes extensively about the relationship between bravery and mercy in particular.

1) Explain the meaning of mercy, according to Montaigne, and how it is demonstrated in important ways in warfare. Explain how this sensibility is related to Feudal-system believes about virtue.

2) Discuss the importance that Montaigne places on bravery, and explain some of the examples that Montaigne uses to highlight bravery or boldness in the face of the enemy.

2) Summarize the relationship that Montaigne sees between bravery and mercy, explaining how bravery incites acts of mercy, and what the risks of exercising either bravery and mercy are.

Essay Topic 3

Entering into marriage, Montaigne did not expect to be a good husband. However, he exceeded his own expectations and became very interested in the subject of marriage, writing extensively about it in several essays.

1) Discuss Montaigne's opinion of marriage and how it changed over the course of his life.

2) Explain the differences that Montaigne sees in how men and women are prepared for married life.

3) Discuss the warnings and recommendations that Montaigne gives to both men and women for entering into married life. What are his reasons for giving this advice?

4) Assess how Montaigne's opinions would be viewed in the broader context of the culture of his time. Was he progressive or conservative? Did he believe in women's rights in marriage, or was he dismissive of them?

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