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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the tone of the last part of Letter 9?
(a) Beseeching.
(b) Even-handed.
(c) Narrative.
(d) Imposing.

2. Why aren't outward manifestations reliable in indicating devotion, according to Heloise?
(a) They can be feigned.
(b) They vary from person to person.
(c) People can learn them from each other.
(d) They are not reliable.

3. Where does Heloise find justification for what she asks Abelard in Letter 6?
(a) Papal dispensations.
(b) The Rule of the Saints.
(c) Scripture.
(d) Convent practice.

4. Who was Innocent II?
(a) The Abbott of Cluny.
(b) Heloise.
(c) The pope.
(d) Abelard.

5. What does the sender of Letter 9 say about Abelard?
(a) That the monks at his monastery were trying to kill him.
(b) That he has just received a letter from him.
(c) That he passed through.
(d) That he has just received a letter about him.

6. What does Abelard say life becomes in poverty?
(a) A firm law.
(b) A common store.
(c) A community.
(d) A resource.

7. What provision does Heloise ask Abelard to include in what he makes for her?
(a) Rewards for nuns who are the most devout.
(b) Exclusions for nuns who do not follow the rules.
(c) Exceptions for the old, young, and weak.
(d) Special standards for the more devout nuns.

8. What else did Abelard do right before he died?
(a) Confess his sins.
(b) Write out his last will.
(c) Receive absolution.
(d) Compose hymns.

9. How had Abelard handled the sender of Letter 9's recommendation?
(a) He refused it.
(b) He said he would take it.
(c) He had not responded.
(d) He already acted on it.

10. What does Heloise ask Abelard in Letter 6?
(a) To tell her how the order of nuns began.
(b) To forgive her.
(c) To describe the reasons for her to go on being a nun.
(d) To tell her how nuns should conduct themselves.

11. What is the logic behind Heloise's request to Abelard?
(a) The weak cannot bear the same burdens as the strong.
(b) The strong should try to strengthen the weak to bear more burdens.
(c) The weak should be just as burdened as the strong.
(d) The weak should be able to bear the same burdens as the strong.

12. What does Heloise say in Letter 6 that she cannot make herself do?
(a) Beg for forgiveness.
(b) Pray.
(c) Obey Abelard.
(d) Seek God.

13. What contrast does Abelard describe between early practice and current practice?
(a) Saints and serving women.
(b) Martyrs and bureaucrats.
(c) Humble women celebrating Christ and current bishops strutting in robes.
(d) Serving women and saints.

14. What does Abelard rely on in providing a rule for the lives of the nuns at Paraclete?
(a) Ancient practices.
(b) Different religions' monastic practices.
(c) His monastery's practices.
(d) Scripture.

15. What qualities must distinguish an Abbess, in Abelard's opinion?
(a) Lifelong chastity.
(b) Learning and teaching.
(c) Broad life experience.
(d) Management experience.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Abelard define poverty?

2. In Letter 8, what does Abelard say women tend to stray toward?

3. What did the sender of Letter 9 advise Abelard to do?

4. Where is weakness taken into account, according to Heloise?

5. What does Abelard say about the daughters of Aaron?

(see the answer keys)

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