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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Whose estate does Seneca ride past in Letter LV?
(a) Claudius.
(b) Lucilius.
(c) Antonius.
(d) Vatia.

3. What is the specific distraction Seneca discusses in Letter XL?
(a) Long hair.
(b) Company with the opposite sex.
(c) Alcohol and food.
(d) Talking too fast or too slow.

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

5. In Letter VII, what does Lucilius accuse Seneca of being?
(a) A corrupt politician.
(b) A loser.
(c) An illegitimate child.
(d) A hypocrite.

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

7. According to Seneca, if one begins taking lessons other than philosophy, what happens?
(a) He diversifies his talents.
(b) He becomes known as a Renaissance Man.
(c) He becomes a well-rounded man.
(d) His life will be governed by that subject rather than philosophy.

8. Which word is the best meaning of apatheia?
(a) Apathetic.
(b) Invulnerable.
(c) Humble.
(d) Pathetic.

9. Who does Seneca praise in Letter XI?
(a) Lucilius' friend.
(b) Lucilius himself.
(c) Lucilius' ancestors.
(d) Lucilius' father.

10. What is the topic of Letter III?
(a) Greed.
(b) Friendship.
(c) Money.
(d) Investing.

11. Who is chastised in Letter III for not discussing his personal matters?
(a) Vatia.
(b) Lucilius.
(c) Plato.
(d) Seneca.

12. Who, according to Seneca, is deliberate and prepared?
(a) A wise man.
(b) A priest.
(c) A general.
(d) A public servant.

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

14. According to Seneca, what must one seek between extremes in all matters?
(a) Love.
(b) Truth.
(c) Balance.
(d) Kindness.

15. What holiday is celebrated at the time Letter XVII is written?
(a) Festival of Bacchus.
(b) Ides of March.
(c) Saturnalia.
(d) Cinco de Mayo.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Seneca, what are people who are easily disturbed by noises lacking?

2. Who does Seneca thank for sending him a book?

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

4. Seneca states that a virtuous man is not concerned with the loss of a friend because:

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

(see the answer keys)

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