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

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

3. What does Seneca recommend avoiding in Letter VII?

4. According to Letter XLI, where is the soul from?

5. How does Seneca say slaves should be corrected?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. 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?

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

6. When does Seneca say a master should correct his slaves? How should slaves be corrected and why?

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

8. According to Seneca, from where where does one's soul originate?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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 value of a liberal arts education according to Seneca.

(see the answer keys)

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