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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What virtue does Seneca say does not perish or disappoint?

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

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

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

5. What has suffered a great deal between Letters XII and XXVII?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the importance to occasional fasting 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. When does Seneca say a master should correct his slaves? How should slaves be corrected and why?

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

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

6. What is Seneca's theory on slavery?

7. What are Seneca's thoughts on fear and how to eliminate it from life?

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

9. What does Seneca say about developing friendships?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the theories of Stoicism with those of philosopher Epicurus.

Essay Topic 2

What is the Greek "golden mean" and how does it apply to Stoicism?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Seneca's life on Nero's court.

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