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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 tell Boethius concerning what he thinks about Fortune?

2. What is stitched on the woman's clothes?

3. What does Philosophy think Boethius feels about fortune?

4. Why does the woman tell Boethius that he is responsible for his situation?

5. What does Philosophy say about Boethius' feelings toward fortune at the start of Book II?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why would Boethius choose not to mention the Bible in "The Consolation of Philosophy"?

2. Why does Boethius praise God?

3. What is significant about conscience in Book 1?

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

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

6. What does Boethius believe about happiness, according to Book II and how does this relate to Christian thinking?

7. Why does the woman urge Boethius to break his silence?

8. What does the woman say about Fortune not being malicious at the end of Book II?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Greek philosophers had a strong impact on the development of Boethius' philosophical tenets. Discuss the influence Plato, Cicero and other philosophers had on Boethius. Discuss how philosophy influenced his faith and whether Christianity undermines or supports his beliefs. Use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the analogy of God being like a craftsman in "The Consolation of Philosophy". Define analogy in your essay and discuss what this analogy means, supporting your statements with examples from the book.

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