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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What type of studies does Letter XII use as an example?
(a) Drama studies.
(b) Inner studies of oneself.
(c) Religious studies.
(d) Singing studies.

3. How should an owner be seen by his slaves, according to Seneca?
(a) Feared.
(b) With no emotion.
(c) Hated.
(d) Loved.

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

5. What is an oxymoron?
(a) Someone who does not practice virtue at all.
(b) A theory related to oxygen.
(c) A combination of contradictory words or phrases.
(d) Someone who does not understand Oxystoicism.

6. According to Seneca, what is man's only pride?
(a) His soul.
(b) His face.
(c) His body.
(d) His mind.

7. What holiday is celebrated at the time Letter XVII is written?
(a) Cinco de Mayo.
(b) Festival of Bacchus.
(c) Saturnalia.
(d) Ides of March.

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

9. What does Seneca say many slave-owners foolishly think?
(a) That the slaves will care for their families once the owner dies.
(b) That their slaves must love and respect them.
(c) That it is to their credit that they are the slave-owners.
(d) That they will never have to work again.

10. According to Seneca, what creates anxiety?
(a) Having to worry about finances.
(b) Having to find a stable job.
(c) Striving to fulfill one's ever-expanding desires.
(d) Demanding family members.

11. What specific things might a philosopher lack that could tarnish philosophy's reputation among outsiders?
(a) A mansion, slaves, and orgies.
(b) Wealth, fine clothing and hygiene.
(c) Wine, big home, health.
(d) Books, glasses, jewelry.

12. In a large group of people, how might their vices seem, according to Seneca?
(a) Deadly.
(b) Unappealing.
(c) Attractive.
(d) Comical.

13. Who, according to Seneca, is deliberate and prepared?
(a) A wise man.
(b) A priest.
(c) A general.
(d) A public servant.

14. Who finances the celebration that is held at the time Letter XVII is written?
(a) A traveling carnival.
(b) Seneca.
(c) Local businesses.
(d) The state.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Seneca say slaves should be corrected?

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

3. What is the characteristic of Lucilius' friend that Seneca does not hold against him?

4. Why, according to Seneca, shouldn't old age frighten a wise man?

5. What kinds of noises are more distracting, according to Senenca?

(see the answer keys)

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