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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Seneca say he took the ride in Letter LV?
(a) He had no choice.
(b) Because of his asthma.
(c) It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
(d) For a little splurge on luxury.

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

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

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

5. According to Seneca, who doesn't care if he is rich or poor?
(a) A Christian priest.
(b) A pagan priest.
(c) A philosopher.
(d) A public official.

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

7. What is there little value in if one cannot share it with friends, according to Seneca?
(a) Gladiator battles.
(b) Money.
(c) Ceremonies.
(d) Learning.

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

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

10. What does Seneca say is the worst noise of all?
(a) Crashes.
(b) Insects.
(c) Voices.
(d) Music.

11. According to Letter XL, what clue do people give as to whether they are organized or disorganized?
(a) A glance at one's kitchen.
(b) Their hairstyle and grooming.
(c) How their house or apartment looks.
(d) How fast or slow they talk.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Seneca say a wise man should act toward the festival celebrated in Letter XVII?

3. According to Seneca in Letter XXXIII, what does Stoic writing generally lack?

4. According to Seneca, what is man's only pride?

5. What does Seneca encourage in Letter VI?

(see the answer keys)

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