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

2. What does Seneca say happens to life when one focuses too much on trivial and fleeting activities?

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

4. What does Seneca say cannot be learned only through reading?

5. Who thinks they are the most virtuous people, according to Senenca?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Seneca explain how he partakes of the festivities of Saturnalia?

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

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

4. Lucilius writes Seneca that his melancholy mood remained unchanged no matter how far he traveled from home. How does Seneca explain Lucilius' complaint?

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

6. What does Seneca say about developing friendships?

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

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

9. In Letter II, how does Seneca advise Lucilius to proceed with his study of philosophy?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are three types of irony: verbal, situational and dramatic. Define each and discuss at least two examples of irony in Seneca's letters.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

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