View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What comes of the man of action who does not recognize the ambiguity that appears during the pursuit of his goal, according to Beauvoir?

2. At what point does Beauvoir declare the death of an individual is not a failure?

3. How does Beauvoir claim failure affects art and science?

4. According to Beauvoir, why does society exist?

5. What does Beauvoir claim to be necessary to the desire for the slave to become conscious of his servitude?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the individual who claims to have adopted the Aesthetic Attitude view historical work, according to Beauvoir?

2. How does Beauvoir relate death to life?

3. How does Beauvoir claim that science can find truth?

4. How do societies attempt to help individuals hold onto the present according to Beauvoir?

5. What does Beauvoir claim prevents the future from being considered a harmonious development?

6. How does Beauvoir characterize the world at the beginning of Section III?

7. How does Beauvoir criticize the claim that life is absurdity?

8. What does Beauvoir identify as one of the chief objections leveled against existentialism with regard to freedom?

9. What is the main criticism that Beauvoir makes of the Aesthetic Attitude?

10. Why does Beauvoir write that the only way way that the oppressed can fulfill his freedom is through revolt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the "adventurer" from the "passionate man" and give historical examples for each. Which lives freely and which has the greatest influence on general freedom? Which one does Beauvoir seem to favor? Use her comments to support your view.

Essay Topic 2

Beauvoir begins Chapter Three by explaining the social aspect of freedom and then details the affect of the "Aesthetic Attitude" on it. Examine the "Aesthetic Attitude", whether or not it has a positive influence on freedom, and what sort of individual detailed by Beauvoir (the sub-man, the serious man, the adventurer, the nihilist, or the passionate man) is most likely to adopt this attitude.

Essay Topic 3

Beauvoir devotes her section on "Ambiguity" to answering criticism of her views regarding its role in personal freedom. Compare and contrast Beauvoir's position to those that she answers both in Chapter Three and earlier in the book. What are of Beauvoir's views on ambiguity as well as those which dissent with her view? What are the disadvantages of each? Do you agree with Beauvoir or her detractors. Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 811 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample