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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What purpose does fasting serve, according to Seneca?
(a) To shed some excess pounds.
(b) To be able to drink more.
(c) To ward off gluttony.
(d) To prove a point to the public.

2. What does Seneca recommend avoiding in Letter VII?
(a) The masses.
(b) Prostitutes.
(c) Religious zealots.
(d) People without shoes.

3. What does Seneca encourage in Letter VI?
(a) Living in Rome.
(b) Lucilius come to live with him.
(c) Contributions to poor slaves.
(d) Suicide among the elderly.

4. What does Seneca say many slave-owners foolishly think?
(a) That their slaves must love and respect them.
(b) That it is to their credit that they are the slave-owners.
(c) That they will never have to work again.
(d) That the slaves will care for their families once the owner dies.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Seneca, who doesn't care if he is rich or poor?

2. At what time does Seneca say he has already experienced death?

3. Who, according to Seneca, retired out of fear of being persecuted by the Emperor?

4. Which philosopher has a positive theory about "cheerful poverty?"

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a "quibbler" and what advice does Seneca offer to Lucilius about quibblers?

2. What is the appeal of a slow death for Stoics? What does Seneca believe happens after death?

3. How does noise affect Seneca's studies and how does his explanation become a metaphor for the Stoic soul?

4. According to Seneca, how much concern should a wise man have regarding his or others' physical beauty?

5. What is the difference between a Stoic and anyone else in regards to emotions?

6. What is a sedan chair and why does Seneca use one occasionally?

7. What is the goal of philosophy, as stated by Seneca?

8. What does Seneca say about developing friendships?

9. What is the difference between physical and spiritual ailments, according the Seneca's seasick boat trip example?

10. What is Seneca's thoughts on the phrase "cheerful poverty?"

(see the answer keys)

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