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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. Why does Strepsiades seek out Socrates?

2. How can Crito's emotional state during Socrates' trial be characterized?

3. Why does Socrates eventually refuse to help Strepsiades?

4. How does Socrates end the Crito dialogue?

5. Who wrote The Clouds?

Short Essay Questions

1. What violent action does Pheidippides visit upon his father? How does Pheidippides justify his action?

2. What are the consequences of breaking the law?

3. Who is Strepsiades? Why does he enter Socrates' Thinkery?

4. Given Crito's criticism of Socrates, what segment of society can Crito be said to represent?

5. How does Socrates use the notion of a contract to reinforce his opinion that obeying the law is necessary?

6. What is Socrates' response to Crito when Crito worries about Socrates' reputation?

7. By the end of The Clouds, how has Strepsiades changed? What are his beliefs?

8. What is Socrates' attitude toward his impending death at the end of Crito?

9. According to Socrates, why must experts always be obeyed?

10. According to Socrates, why must one not commit injustices?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The characterization of Socrates is quite different in Plato's dialogues versus Aristophanes' The Clouds. Explain the nature of this difference, using specific examples from each text. This could include personality as well as philosophical beliefs.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Plato's use of Socrates in many of his writings.

1) What does Socrates' frequent appearances in Plato's writing say about Plato's regard for Socrates?

2) How does Plato use Socrates to reveal his own ideas and philosophy?

3) Why might Socrates be appropriate for Plato's dialogue form? How does Plato use Socrates' Socratic method to arrive at philosophical truths?

Essay Topic 3

Do a comparative analysis of Apology and Crito.

1) Can the character of Socrates be said to be different between the two dialogues? Why or why not?

2) How is Socrates' conception of the law and justice different between the two dialogues?

3) Compare how Socrates believes one should live one's life in Apology, versus how Socrates believes one should live one's life in Crito.

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