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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who advises that one ought to imagine being watched by some great, virtuous figure at all times in order to check one's own behavior?
(a) Plato.
(b) Seneca.
(c) Aristotle.
(d) Epicurius.

2. What purpose does fasting serve, according to Seneca?
(a) To shed some excess pounds.
(b) To ward off gluttony.
(c) To be able to drink more.
(d) To prove a point to the public.

3. What topic does Seneca discuss in Letter XL?
(a) Love.
(b) Speech.
(c) Money.
(d) Death.

4. According to Seneca, what must one seek between extremes in all matters?
(a) Balance.
(b) Love.
(c) Kindness.
(d) Truth.

5. According to Seneca, who doesn't care if he is rich or poor?
(a) A philosopher.
(b) A Christian priest.
(c) A public official.
(d) A pagan priest.

6. According to Seneca as he comforts Lucilius, what is the death of a friend a reminder to do?
(a) Not to get close to people because they will only die.
(b) To take better care of yourself.
(c) To appreciate your friends in life.
(d) To send notes to the grieving family.

7. Who does Seneca praise in Letter XI?
(a) Lucilius' ancestors.
(b) Lucilius' friend.
(c) Lucilius himself.
(d) Lucilius' father.

8. What do people who attend the celebration discussed in Letter XVII do?
(a) Watch acrobats and clowns.
(b) Praise Seneca.
(c) Feast and get drunk.
(d) Discuss town issues.

9. In what kind of atmosphere does Seneca say in Lesson VLI that he prefers to study?
(a) A quiet one.
(b) A very well-lit one.
(c) A dark one.
(d) A busy one.

10. What does Seneca say is the worst noise of all?
(a) Crashes.
(b) Music.
(c) Insects.
(d) Voices.

11. How does Seneca say all people -- young and old alike -- should live each day?
(a) Without much physical activity or worry.
(b) As if it is their first.
(c) Safely.
(d) As if it is their last.

12. Seneca says that a philosopher must distinguish himself from others with virtue, but what must the philosopher obey when doing so?
(a) No one.
(b) Seneca's laws.
(c) Society's conventions.
(d) The emperor and no one else.

13. What are Seneca's comments about the book he mentions in Letter XLVI?
(a) He wholeheartedly agrees with the entire contents of the book.
(b) He likes the gift, but not its contents.
(c) He disagrees with the entire contents of the book.
(d) None - he wants to read it again.

14. Why does Seneca say he took the ride in Letter LV?
(a) He had no choice.
(b) It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
(c) For a little splurge on luxury.
(d) Because of his asthma.

15. How does Seneca say slaves should be corrected?
(a) Mental torture.
(b) With physical punishment.
(c) By taking something away, like food.
(d) Verbally.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Seneca in Letter XXXIII, what does Stoic writing generally lack?

2. Which city does Seneca say is so filled with wicked people that it could be a threat to even a wise man's soul?

3. Who suggests the correspondence between Seneca and his student should increase?

4. How does Seneca say a wise man should act toward the festival celebrated in Letter XVII?

5. Who finances the celebration that is held at the time Letter XVII is written?

(see the answer keys)

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