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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. In Letter XVI, what kind of life is said to have no direction?

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

3. What purpose does fasting serve, according to Seneca?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is Seneca's theory on slavery?

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

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

10. What does Seneca say the unphilosophical life lacks and what does it have? Why is the life of a philosopher better?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the festival Saturnalia. When was it held, what did it celebrate, etc? What is its relationship to a particular Christian holiday?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the Stoic view of death and what happens after death.

Essay Topic 3

What is an aphorism and what is Seneca's opinion of them? What is his response to Lucilius when he requests aphorisms?

(see the answer keys)

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