View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters XXXIII, XXXVIII, XL, XLI, XLVI, XLVII, XLVIII.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Letter XII, what does Seneca's property remind him?
(a) That he needs to find new tenants.
(b) To be clearer in his next lease.
(c) To rebuild closer to water.
(d) That he is aging.

2. How does Seneca say slaves should be corrected?
(a) Mental torture.
(b) Verbally.
(c) By taking something away, like food.
(d) With physical punishment.

3. According to Seneca, who will spend his time either alone or in the company of those he knows are capable of improving him?
(a) Someone who is disgusted by blood and gore.
(b) A truly virtue-minded person.
(c) A religious person.
(d) A man with asthma or illness.

4. What virtue does Seneca say does not perish or disappoint?
(a) Fortune.
(b) Kindness.
(c) Beauty.
(d) Wisdom.

5. According to Seneca, who doesn't care if he is rich or poor?
(a) A public official.
(b) A Christian priest.
(c) A pagan priest.
(d) A philosopher.

Short Answer Questions

1. What specific things might a philosopher lack that could tarnish philosophy's reputation among outsiders?

2. What does Seneca say many slave-owners foolishly think?

3. What is an oxymoron?

4. In Letter VII, what does Lucilius accuse Seneca of being?

5. Which philosopher has a positive theory about "cheerful poverty?"

(see the answer key)

This section contains 274 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample