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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. Seneca says though one may suffer more or less in life, the suffering is surrounded by what on either side?

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. What does Seneca say about slaves?

4. According to Seneca, what must one seek between extremes in all matters?

5. What does Lucilius ask Seneca to include in his letters?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Seneca explain how he partakes of the festivities of Saturnalia?

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

7. What is the difference between a Stoic and anyone else in regards to emotions?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss causation, applying the theories of Stoicism, Aristotle and Plato.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Seneca's views on the importance of speech pace.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Zeno's life and his importance to Stoicism.

(see the answer keys)

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