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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. Who suggests the correspondence between Seneca and his student should increase?
(a) Lucilius.
(b) Seneca.
(c) Zeno.
(d) Marcus Aurelius.

2. In Letter XII, what does Seneca notice about one of his properties?
(a) The tenants changed it without permission.
(b) It has burned down.
(c) It is not rented.
(d) It is delapidated.

3. Seneca says though one may suffer more or less in life, the suffering is surrounded by what on either side?
(a) Somewhat peaceful rest.
(b) Deep tranquility.
(c) Nothingness.
(d) Unknown pain.

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 does Seneca thank for sending him a book?
(a) Euripides.
(b) His mother.
(c) Petronius.
(d) Lucilius.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the specific distraction Seneca discusses in Letter XL?

2. What kind of ailments does Seneca say become more obvious as they worsen?

3. What does Seneca recount taking a ride on in Letter LV?

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

5. Which philosopher does Seneca quote in Letter II despite the fact that he does not particularly like him?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Seneca say about developing friendships?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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