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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. What does Philosophy say to Boethius about his blessings?

2. What does Philosophy tell Boethius to make her point about fortune?

3. How does the woman speak to Boethius?

4. What is the real cause of Boethius being miserable according to Philosophy?

5. What does Philosophy say to Boethius about his feelings toward Fortune?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the start of Book 1 of "The Consolation of Philosophy", where is Boethius and what is he doing?

2. Why does the woman believe Boethius is responsible for his own suffering?

3. What does the woman tell Boethius regarding his suffering?

4. Why does Boethius disagree with the woman regarding misery and what is her rebuttal?

5. What does the woman remind Boethius of in regards to the events and his attitude?

6. Why does the woman praise Boethius' former way of life in comparison to his present situation?

7. What is the discussion in regards to fame and high office and why is this important?

8. What diagnosis does the Lady Philosophy make and what does she point out at the beginning of Book II?

9. What is significant about the clothing worn by the woman who enters Boethius' cell?

10. What is the significance of the woman's discussion with Boethius on blessings when Boethius complains about the tangibility of his pain?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book II, Boethius discusses how goods of the world are not actually goods. Discuss how these interfere with achieving the highest good. Analyze why these are temporal and not able to satisfy the soul. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Consolation of Philosophy", Boethius clearly emphasizes how the pursuits of the flesh that are pleasing to the body are worthless and meaningless. Analyze Boethius' discussion of denying pleasures of the flesh and how nothing on earth can provide true happiness, using the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Consolation of Philosophy", discuss Boethius' use of satire and how it benefits the piece of literature. Use the book to support your statements and analyze satire, particularly in the apocalyptic dialogue.

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