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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. What type of operation is described in the beginning of Book 2, Chapter 5?

2. What were the Arcadians encouraged to do?

3. Who is the translator for this edition of "A History of My Times"?

4. In Chapter 5, how much of the text is dedicated to the military alliances and balancing of power within them?

5. How did Sparta respond to the request for help from Phocis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What things did Polydamss value in a solider?

2. Who was Dercylidas and how is he described?

3. What problems in Arcadia end the book, "A History of My Times"?

4. How did Jason describe the King of Persia and the Persians?

5. How did the Arcadians gain their self-importance, and what did that do for the region?

6. What message is Xenophon delivering with the story of Attica?

7. What are the styles of the chapters in "A History of My Times", and what stories are told in Book 2, Chapter 5?

8. How large was Polydamas's mercenary force and how did he test them?

9. How was it possible for a leader to put his own self-interest above the team, and was it considered a positive or a negative action?

10. What is an oracle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how and why Xenophon chooses to depict Alcibiades and the battles that involve him in the story. Use the references made in the book to analyze how Xenophon's story adds information to previous events, and the reputation of Alcibiades' mentor, Socrates. Include whether or not you think Xenophon is objective in his description of Alcibiades, considering his admiration for Socrates.

Essay Topic 2

The author's motivations for writing the book, "A History of My Times", are revealed by the editor, establishing an important framework for the reader.

1) Explain what motivates Xenophon to write his story, based on the editor's notes and his own commentary.

2) Describe the main points that Xenophon is trying to make in the book and why.

3) Compare Xenophon's writing style with the style of contemporary non-fiction writers.

Essay Topic 3

Continuing with his fascination of the virtues of military leaders, Xenophon presents the story of Polydamas.

1) Describe Polydamas's leadership style, including how he tests his men, and the actions taken as a result of those tests.

2) Explain how Polydamas's men are rewarded for their skills, and the value of honor and loyalty in the military.

3) Analyze the opinions of Jason, pertaining to the King of Persia, and how they compare to Xenophon's opinion of Persia in general.

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