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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. While looking for witty entertainment, what does Seneca stumble upon?
(a) A poetry reading.
(b) A musical production.
(c) A comedian telling jokes.
(d) A gladiator battle.

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

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) A truly virtue-minded person.
(b) Someone who is disgusted by blood and gore.
(c) A man with asthma or illness.
(d) A religious person.

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

5. Who is praised for his virtue and dedication to studies in Letter II?
(a) Seneca.
(b) Plato.
(c) Zeno.
(d) Lucilius.

6. 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) Aristotle.
(b) Seneca.
(c) Epicurius.
(d) Plato.

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

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

9. What does Seneca recount taking a ride on in Letter LV?
(a) His sedan chair.
(b) A chariot.
(c) A horse.
(d) A large unnamed creature.

10. What ailment, according to Letter LIV, has become very serious for Seneca?
(a) Asthma.
(b) A tumor in his throat.
(c) Irregular heart beat.
(d) Indigestion.

11. Seneca says that a philosopher must distinguish himself from others with virtue, but what must the philosopher obey when doing so?
(a) Society's conventions.
(b) Seneca's laws.
(c) The emperor and no one else.
(d) No one.

12. What topic does Seneca discuss in Letter XL?
(a) Speech.
(b) Money.
(c) Death.
(d) Love.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. How did Seneca's ancestors treat their slaves?

4. What does Seneca recommend avoiding in Letter VII?

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

(see the answer keys)

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