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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. According to Seneca, if one begins taking lessons other than philosophy, what happens?

2. How did Seneca's ancestors treat their slaves?

3. Who, according to Seneca, is deliberate and prepared?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Seneca's theory on slavery?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Outline the history of Stoicism.

Essay Topic 2

Who was Posidonius? Discuss the issue Seneca had with one of his claims and talk about the many roles of Posidonius.

Essay Topic 3

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

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