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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. How should an owner be seen by his slaves, according to Seneca?

2. Which of Lucilius' friends dies?

3. Seneca says that a philosopher must distinguish himself from others with virtue, but what must the philosopher obey when doing so?

4. What does Seneca say is the worst noise of all?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is a "quibbler" and what advice does Seneca offer to Lucilius about quibblers?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What is Seneca's thoughts on the phrase "cheerful poverty?"

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

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample