seneca's letters Flashcards
When was the Consolation to Marcia written?
40 AD
Who was Marcia?
The daughter of a prominent historian, Aulus Cremetius Cordus
What was the Consolation to Marica written concerning?
The loss of Marcia’s son, Metelius
What does Seneca say in the Consolation to Marcia?
Philosophical abstractions concerning Stoic precepts of life + death
What is notable about Consolation to Marcia?
Seneca notably lacks empathy towards Marcia
What does Seneca try to convince Marcia of?
The death of her son was tragic but shouldn’t have been surprising bc she knew many mothers lost their sons
What does Seneca tell Marcia about emotions?
Having emotion is human but having too much is self destructive; she should accept that no one has a guaranteed life
What is the quote from Consolation to Marcia?
“We are born into a world of things which are all destined to die”
When was the Consolation to Helvia written?
42/43 AD
Who does Seneca write to? What is this regarding? (In consolation to Helvia)
Writes to his mother about his recent exile to Corsica
What does Seneca tell his mother?
He doesn’t feel grief so she shouldn’t mourn his absence
What does Seneca tell his mother about misfortune?
Having misfortune toughens ppl up
What does Seneca tell his mother about the exile?
He sees his exile as a ‘change of place’ + it doesn’t bring him feelings of disgrace
What does Seneca comment on in the Consolation to Helvia?
Comments on his mothers strong, virtuous character that should be able to bear his absence
When was the Consolation to Polybius written?
43/44 AD during his exile
