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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Seneca say happens to life when one focuses too much on trivial and fleeting activities?
(a) It causes much sickness.
(b) It becomes meaningless and not worth living.
(c) It ends earlier.
(d) It is fulfilled with recreation.

2. What kinds of noises are more distracting, according to Senenca?
(a) Continuous noises.
(b) Intermittent noises.
(c) Musical noises.
(d) Noises of crickets.

3. In a large group of people, how might their vices seem, according to Seneca?
(a) Comical.
(b) Unappealing.
(c) Deadly.
(d) Attractive.

4. What is an example of unrehearsed communication?
(a) Public oratory.
(b) A speech.
(c) Letter writing.
(d) Music.

5. What, according to Seneca, generally presents more opportunity to be tempted away from virtuous living?
(a) Public hangings.
(b) Theater.
(c) Religion.
(d) Mass crowds.

6. What does Seneca say cannot be learned only through reading?
(a) Virtue.
(b) Writing.
(c) Astronomy.
(d) Mythology.

7. Which of Lucilius' friends dies?
(a) Claudius.
(b) Tibius.
(c) Euripides.
(d) Flaccus.

8. What has suffered a great deal between Letters XII and XXVII?
(a) Euripides overall health.
(b) Lucilius' fortune.
(c) Epicurius' mental health.
(d) Seneca's physical health.

9. In Letter XII, what does Seneca notice about one of his properties?
(a) It is delapidated.
(b) It is not rented.
(c) The tenants changed it without permission.
(d) It has burned down.

10. Why, according to Seneca, shouldn't old age frighten a wise man?
(a) Because his mind is too far gone to be scared.
(b) Because he knows he will go to heaven.
(c) A wise man doesn't fear death.
(d) Because old and wise go together.

11. What is it that Seneca says no human being merits?
(a) A beating.
(b) Love.
(c) Correction.
(d) Mental torture.

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

13. According to Letter XLI, what lives in each man's soul?
(a) Divine power.
(b) Desire.
(c) Dark thoughts.
(d) Evil.

14. What type of studies does Letter XII use as an example?
(a) Religious studies.
(b) Singing studies.
(c) Inner studies of oneself.
(d) Drama studies.

15. How should an owner be seen by his slaves, according to Seneca?
(a) Feared.
(b) Hated.
(c) With no emotion.
(d) Loved.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is praised for his virtue and dedication to studies in Letter II?

2. What purpose does fasting serve, according to Seneca?

3. Who advises that one ought to imagine being watched by some great, virtuous figure at all times in order to check one's own behavior?

4. How does Seneca say all people -- young and old alike -- should live each day?

5. Which philosopher does Seneca quote in Letter II despite the fact that he does not particularly like him?

(see the answer keys)

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