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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. To Plutarch, what is the greatest human bond?

2. Seneca the Younger adheres to which school of philosophy?

3. Beyond essays, Samuel Johnson is famous for which text?

4. What does Montaigne have in common with Saint Augustine?

5. What is Richard Steele's message in his essay "Twenty-four Hours in London"?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what style is Abraham Cowley known for?

2. As expressed in "On Some Verses of Virgil," what does Montaigne have to say about the nature of the sexes?

3. What is Seneca's philosophical background? Why is that background problematic?

4. What is the subject of Abraham Cowley's "Of Greatness"? What point does Abraham Cowley make?

5. What subjects are talked about in "On Some Verses of Virgil?"

6. How are the writings of Montaigne structured?

7. What caused Michel de Montaigne to start writing?

8. What was Michel de Montaigne's background prior to writing?

9. To what extent were Charles Lamb's personal essays influenced by his family background? Describe that family background.

10. What is the biographical background necessary to understand "Consolation to His Wife" by Plutarch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose two essays.

A) Describe the biographical background of each author.

B) Describe the subject and author's intention ("message") with each essay.

C) Explain how A) and B) are related. Why is an understanding of biography often critical with the personal essay medium? In these two cases, how can we measure the influence of life events on the essay's philosophy and point of view?

Essay Topic 2

Nature and solitude converge in the essays "The Entrance to the Woods" by Wendell Berry and "The Solitude of the Country" by Samuel Johnson.

A) What is valuable/important to each man about nature? Are these views compatible?

B) How does solitude impact the experience of nature in both essays?

C) Compare the tones in the essays.

Essay Topic 3

Montaigne provides a number of views and personal opinions in the essays selected for the book.

A) What is Montaigne's view of human nature in general? Cite quotations from "Of Books" to support your assertion.

B) What is Montaigne's view of education? Cite quotations from "Of Books" and "On Some Verses of Virgil" to support your assertion.

C) What is Montaigne's view of abnormality, according to "Of a Monstrous Child"?

(see the answer keys)

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