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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does noise affect Seneca's ability to study?
(a) It does not affect it at all.
(b) He is very distracted by noise from crowds.
(c) He has a hearing disability and is slightly distracted by a constant, steady hum.
(d) He is very distracted by the smallest noise.

2. Who finances the celebration that is held at the time Letter XVII is written?
(a) A traveling carnival.
(b) Local businesses.
(c) Seneca.
(d) The state.

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

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

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

6. In Letter XII, what does Seneca's property remind him?
(a) That he needs to find new tenants.
(b) To rebuild closer to water.
(c) To be clearer in his next lease.
(d) That he is aging.

7. What does Seneca say about slaves?
(a) They are people too.
(b) Not to pity them.
(c) Don't get too close to them emotionally.
(d) Use them for the hardest work.

8. What are Seneca's comments about the book he mentions in Letter XLVI?
(a) None - he wants to read it again.
(b) He wholeheartedly agrees with the entire contents of the book.
(c) He likes the gift, but not its contents.
(d) He disagrees with the entire contents of the book.

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

10. According to Seneca, what are people who are easily disturbed by noises lacking?
(a) Ear plugs.
(b) Common sense.
(c) Religion.
(d) Peace.

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

12. What is an oxymoron?
(a) Someone who does not practice virtue at all.
(b) Someone who does not understand Oxystoicism.
(c) A theory related to oxygen.
(d) A combination of contradictory words or phrases.

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

14. Who says that excessive anger is a threat to one's sanity?
(a) Plato.
(b) Epicurius.
(c) Seneca.
(d) Sophocles.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Seneca say he took the ride in Letter LV?

2. In a large group of people, how might their vices seem, according to Seneca?

3. In what kind of atmosphere does Seneca say in Lesson VLI that he prefers to study?

4. Why, according to Seneca, shouldn't old age frighten a wise man?

5. What is the topic of Letter III?

(see the answer keys)

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