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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. According to Seneca in Letter XXXIII, what does Stoic writing generally lack?
(a) Quotable quotes.
(b) Punctuation.
(c) Use of Latin.
(d) Grammatical errors.

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

4. What does Seneca say about the Stoic troubled by no external concerns?
(a) The body.
(b) The heart.
(c) The soul.
(d) The mind.

5. 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.

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

7. Who, according to Seneca, retired out of fear of being persecuted by the Emperor?
(a) Vatia.
(b) Himself.
(c) Nero.
(d) Lucilius.

8. What kind of people does Seneca warn Lucilius to steer clear of in Letter XLVIII?
(a) Slaves.
(b) Quibblers.
(c) Wealthy rulers.
(d) Drunken people.

9. According to Letter XLI, where is the soul from?
(a) Dark desires.
(b) Earth.
(c) Deep inside.
(d) Heaven.

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

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

12. According to Seneca as he comforts Lucilius, what is the death of a friend a reminder to do?
(a) To take better care of yourself.
(b) To appreciate your friends in life.
(c) Not to get close to people because they will only die.
(d) To send notes to the grieving family.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Seneca recommend avoiding in Letter VII?

2. In Letter XII, what does Seneca notice about one of his properties?

3. What is the topic of Letter III?

4. What virtue does Seneca say does not perish or disappoint?

5. What is it that Seneca says no human being merits?

(see the answer keys)

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