View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who says in Chapter XVII that wise men should avoid the festival that is being celebrated?
(a) No one.
(b) Lucilious.
(c) Epicurious.
(d) Seneca.

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

3. How does Seneca say a wise man should act toward the festival celebrated in Letter XVII?
(a) Should abstain from drinking, but over eat.
(b) Should enjoy all to its fullest.
(c) Should avoid it all together, stay away.
(d) Should avoid excess, but participate.

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

5. What kind of ailments does Seneca say become more obvious as they worsen?
(a) Breathing-related ones.
(b) Spiritual.
(c) Physical.
(d) Mental.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Letter XLI, where is the soul from?

2. What is the characteristic of Lucilius' friend that Seneca does not hold against him?

3. What specific things might a philosopher lack that could tarnish philosophy's reputation among outsiders?

4. What, according to Seneca, generally presents more opportunity to be tempted away from virtuous living?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the necessity of and the problem with diversions, according to Seneca.

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

3. Why didn't the Stoics write a lot of quotable quotes for students to memorize? What is his opinion about quotable quotes?

4. When does Seneca say a master should correct his slaves? How should slaves be corrected and why?

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

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

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

8. According to Seneca, how should a wise man deal with grief itself?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 870 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample