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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. Which is one of the popular theories for why Socrates advanced a lackluster defense at his trial?
(a) He proceeded out of principle.
(b) He was worried about being unable to care for himself in old age.
(c) He wished to be martyr.
(d) He wished for the art of philosophy to die with him.

2. At what point does Strepsiades stop speaking to Pheidippides?
(a) When Pheidippides tries to trick Strepsiades' creditors.
(b) When Pheidippides enrolls with Socrates.
(c) When Pheidippides reads a poem about incest.
(d) When Pheidippides threatens to beat up his own mother.

3. What would happen if Socrates fled to a city that was well-governed?
(a) He would be a law-breaker, and suffer from the same bad reputation.
(b) He could plot his revenge.
(c) He would finally get justice.
(d) He could live a life free from political ambition.

4. Which is NOT one of the benefits of law, according to Socrates in Crito?
(a) Laws increase education in the citizenry.
(b) Laws produce good citizens.
(c) They lead to people doing what is truly best.
(d) Laws bring about the flourishing of cities.

5. Citizens could not be good individuals without what?
(a) Happiness.
(b) Science.
(c) Religion.
(d) Laws.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who are the characters in Crito?

2. What is the origin of the title The Clouds?

3. At a party, over what subject do Strepsiades and Pheidippides fight?

4. What do experts have to do with laws?

5. On which point in Crito does Socrates differ markedly from his position in Apology?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gives law authority, according to Socrates?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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