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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 does Seneca say about the Stoic troubled by no external concerns?

2. According to Seneca, who will spend his time either alone or in the company of those he knows are capable of improving him?

3. Which philosopher believes the idea of "cheerful poverty" is absurd?

4. Why do people become slaves, according to Seneca?

5. In Letter XII, what does Seneca's property remind him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Seneca's opinion of Vatia? How does it differ from public opinion?

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

3. As Seneca comforts Lucilius at the loss of his friend, he says grief has a purpose. What is that purpose and how should a wise Stoic man deal with the death of a friend?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define and discuss "apatheia."

Essay Topic 2

Discuss causation, applying the theories of Stoicism, Aristotle and Plato.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Seneca's life on Nero's court.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 806 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample