Study Questions for St. Augustine's Confessions
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Augustine's Confessions signals a transition from the ancient to
the medieval world. Can you identify aspects of this work that are
clearly unclassical?
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In what ways is the title of this work appropriate?
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What is Augustine's sense of sin? Does it pose difficulties for you
as you read this work?
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Compare Augustine's evaluation of his thoughts and actions with that of
Achilles.
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This work is often described as the first autobiography in the Western
tradition. What parts of his life does Augustine write about?
What parts of his life does he fail to comment on?
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Describe Augustine's relationship with his mother, Monica. What kind
of woman is she? Do you find her to be as admirable as Augustine
does?
James O'Donnell's electronic edition
of Augustine's Confessions