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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who suggests the correspondence between Seneca and his student should increase?
(a) Zeno.
(b) Marcus Aurelius.
(c) Lucilius.
(d) Seneca.

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

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

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

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

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

7. Which philosopher has a positive theory about "cheerful poverty?"
(a) Plato.
(b) Seneca.
(c) Aristotle.
(d) Epicurius.

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

9. 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?
(a) Epicurius.
(b) Plato.
(c) Aristotle.
(d) Seneca.

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

11. What does Seneca say in Letter XVI is of no interest to the wise man?
(a) Playing a role in public service.
(b) Having more than the basic needs.
(c) Investing in gold.
(d) Having a political seat of power.

12. How long does it take Seneca to read the book he mentions in Letter XLVI?
(a) One week.
(b) One month.
(c) One sitting.
(d) One year.

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

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

15. According to Seneca, what creates anxiety?
(a) Having to find a stable job.
(b) Having to worry about finances.
(c) Striving to fulfill one's ever-expanding desires.
(d) Demanding family members.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who says that hope is the cause of fear?

2. What does Lucilius ask Seneca to include in his letters?

3. How does one perfect his own soul, according to Seneca?

4. Who says in Chapter XVII that wise men should avoid the festival that is being celebrated?

5. What does Seneca say about slaves?

(see the answer keys)

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