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Emphasis on the intertwined nature of politics and religion in contemporary conflict.
Historical context: relationship between politics and religion now less intertwined than in antiquity but still significant.

Work: Gedagia, focuses on Proverbs.
Context: An excerpt includes a personal rant about criticism of his work.
Critique: Discusses his feelings about criticism, likening it to a struggle where he must persevere despite negativity.

Work: While his essays have personal reflections, he uses humor to downplay their significance.
Notable excerpt: Claims his book is unimportant and not worth reading even while publishing it.
Audience: Originally intended for his family, but publicized, which raises questions about intent.

Erasmus:
  - Audience: Writes for everyone, aims for broad education.
  - Subject: Focused on proverbs, explanation, and literary insight.
  - Tone: Confident, encourages readers to learn and grow from his work.
Montaigne:
  - Audience: Initially private but published, indicative of conflicting motives.
  - Subject: Self-reflective thoughts on human nature, questioning behaviors like lying.
  - Tone: Self-deprecating, perhaps as a shield against criticism, raising hints of humility or misdirection.

Argument: Montaigne describes truth as perception rather than verifiable fact:
- Quote: "Our truth nowadays is not what is, but what men can be convinced of."
- Analogy: Compares truth to counterfeit money, where both the user and downloader understand its falsity but choose to utilize it as genuine.
Example: Counterfeit money is used to deceive; similarly, societal truth often requires the willing deception of its members.

Societal Reflection: Montaigne's exploration of lying discusses its detrimental effects on both individuals and society, framed in the historical context of violence related to religious certainty.
Personal Stakes: Montaigne's thoughts on the human condition emphasize the risk of expressing unpopular opinions during turbulent times.

Aspirations: Wants to be known for contributions to literacy and understands the pain of criticism.
Approach to Fame: Encourages visibility and knowledge sharing, positioned in historical context.

Claims to be insignificant yet holds influential positions (e.g., advisor to the King of France).
Contrast with Erasmus: Montaigne presents a contradictory relationship with fame and significance.

How does Montaigne justify self-deprecating remarks about his work? Possible reverse psychology.
Examination of the role of lying in Montaigne's essays:
- What key examples support his views?
- Implications of societal awareness of truth versus deception in both personal and collective realms.
The duality of Montaigne's desire for authenticity in presenting himself while navigating potential criticism.

Focus: Recent four units covered since Exam 2, opportunity to discuss previous units.
Exam Format: Longer essay on a chosen prompt, must compare with another unit topic.

Length and structure: No strict intro/conclusion needed, concise writing emphasized.
Importance of standard grammar and relevance in answers to maximize scoring potential.