Pliny and his Letters: Practice Questions

• a.A detailed account of the eruption of Vesuvius.
• b.The description of a lavish dinner party.
• c.The legal proceedings of a divorce case.
• d.The brutal murder of a master by his own slaves.

• a.He finds the repetitive nature of the event boring and the obsession with team colors irrational.
• b.He thinks the athletes are given more respect than senators and equites.
• c.He believes the violence of the crashes is too extreme for a civilized man.
• d.He objects to the enormous amount of public money spent on the games.

• a.Her ability to manage their vast agricultural estates in his absence.
• b.Her political influence within the Emperor's inner circle.
• c.Her interest in his literature, including memorizing his writings and listening behind a curtain.
• d.Her bravery in defending their home during a local riot.

• a.He shows deep concern for Zosimus' health, arranging for him to recover in the better climate of the Riviera.
• b.He strictly enforces the law by punishing Zosimus for a minor accounting error.
• c.He mocks Zosimus' attempts to act like a free-born citizen at dinner parties.
• d.He complains that Zosimus is a financial burden and wishes to sell him back into slavery.

• a.The city is cheap and accessible, while the country is expensive and isolated.
• b.The city is dangerous and dark, whereas the country is safe and well-lit.
• c.The city is full of trivial, time-wasting social obligations, while the country offers meaningful leisure (otium).
• d.The city is where he performs his best legal work, while the country is for physical exercise.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.