View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Letters XI, XII, XV, XVI, XVIII, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Seneca states that a virtuous man is not concerned with the loss of a friend because:
(a) He never gets emotionally attached.
(b) He never shares.
(c) He didn't have any friends anyway.
(d) He can easily replace the friend.

2. What is the characteristic of Lucilius' friend that Seneca does not hold against him?
(a) He drinks too much.
(b) He is overweight.
(c) He speaks too quickly.
(d) He blushes.

3. What has earned Seneca fame and respect among the citizens of Rome?
(a) His role as emperor.
(b) The sexually explicit plays he wrote.
(c) His inherited wealth.
(d) Years of public service.

4. How does Seneca say a wise man should act toward the festival celebrated in Letter XVII?
(a) Should avoid it all together, stay away.
(b) Should abstain from drinking, but over eat.
(c) Should enjoy all to its fullest.
(d) Should avoid excess, but participate.

5. According to Seneca, what does an inordinate attachment to wealth or public opinion make a man?
(a) Happy.
(b) Lucky.
(c) A politician.
(d) Miserable.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Seneca, if one begins taking lessons other than philosophy, what happens?

2. What does Seneca say happens to life when one focuses too much on trivial and fleeting activities?

3. According to Seneca, who will spend his time either alone or in the company of those he knows are capable of improving him?

4. Which philosopher believes the idea of "cheerful poverty" is absurd?

5. What, according to Seneca, generally presents more opportunity to be tempted away from virtuous living?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 309 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample