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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Socrates, why should experts be obeyed?
(a) They are powerful men, and could damage you with their influence.
(b) They are more likely to know what is best.
(c) They have earned it by their long years of service.
(d) They have a direct connection with the gods.

2. What does Strepsiades think about the education Socrates offers him?
(a) Socrates' knowledge is rudimentary and beneath him.
(b) Strepsiades is made immoral by Socrates' teachings.
(c) Strepsiades is too intellectually weak to make use of it.
(d) Strepsiades finds it fascinating and invaluable.

3. Who is the god which the majority of Athenians pray to as their primary god?
(a) Zeus.
(b) Hermes.
(c) Poseidon.
(d) Apollo.

4. Socrates and Crito agree that the individual should follow what?
(a) The truth.
(b) Popular opinion.
(c) The law.
(d) Their in-the-moment emotions.

5. How would Aristophanes characterize the religious belief of Socrates?
(a) Atheist.
(b) Deist.
(c) Anarchist.
(d) Polytheist.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is The Clouds so memorable today?

2. Which side does Aristophanes take in the conflict with Socrates?

3. In The Clouds, why does Socrates reject tradition?

4. Who replaces Strepsiades in his training with Socrates?

5. In The Clouds, what does Socrates feel about Zeus?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Strepsiades react to Socrates' course of study in the Thinkery? How does Socrates in turn respond to Strepsiades?

2. What is Crito's opinion of Socrates, following his trial?

3. What represents the "last straw" in Strepsiades' relationship with his son? Why does he refuse to speak to him in the end?

4. How does Pheidippides enter the Thinkery? What does he learn there?

5. In Apology, what is Socrates' message in a final speech, both to his jurors and to those who defended him?

6. How does Aristophanes' general attitude towards Socrates differ from that of Plato's?

7. What does Aristophanes accuse Socrates of in The Clouds?

8. How can Aristophanes' characterization of Socrates be summed up?

9. What gives law authority, according to Socrates?

10. Why did Socrates offer such a meek defense and go to prison and his death so willingly?

(see the answer keys)

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