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

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

3. What virtue does Seneca say does not perish or disappoint?
(a) Kindness.
(b) Beauty.
(c) Wisdom.
(d) Fortune.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of people does Seneca warn Lucilius to steer clear of in Letter XLVIII?

2. What does Seneca say many slave-owners foolishly think?

3. What is an example of unrehearsed communication?

4. While looking for witty entertainment, what does Seneca stumble upon?

5. According to Seneca, what are people who are easily disturbed by noises lacking?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened when Seneca went out on the town in search of "witty entertainment" and how was he affected by the situation?

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

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

4. According to Seneca, who should think about death and why?

5. What does Seneca confide to Lucilius about his own vices?

6. Explain the importance to occasional fasting according to Seneca.

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

8. Why does Lucilius call Seneca a hypocrite in Letter VIII?

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

10. What does Seneca tell Lucilius about the pace of speech?

(see the answer keys)

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