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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 is the basic impression of Socrates' overall defense strategy?

2. What does Socrates claim about his relationship with his students?

3. Who does Socrates believe speaks to him, as expressed in Euthyphro?

4. According to Euthyphro, when the Athenian people are pious, what happens?

5. According to Socrates, the philosopher who tells the truth ... ?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the "voice" in Socrates' head tell Socrates at the end of Euthyphro? How does Socrates respond?

2. Why doesn't Socrates wish to be pitied? How does this relate to the fact that he did not bring his family to court with him?

3. Is Socrates innocent or guilty of the charges against him, in the eyes of Athens and its legal system?

4. What is the nature of the legal troubles the characters in Euthyphro are involved in?

5. What is Socrates' initial reaction to the first definition of piety provided in Euthyphro?

6. When he is found guilty, what sentence does Socrates suggest as punishment?

7. How does Socrates relate two aspects of his way of life to a defense of the charges against him?

8. What is the general attitude held by the citizens of Athens toward the characters of Euthyphro?

9. What distinction does Socrates make between his own speaking style, and that of his accusers?

10. What is the Euthyphro, in general terms?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pheidippides is a central character of The Clouds.

1) What does Pheidippides represent in the larger context of Athenian society?

2) What effect does Socrates have on Pheidippides? How does Pheidippides change once he enters Socrates' Thinkery?

3) What is the nature of the rift between Strepsiades and Pheidippides? Which side does Aristophanes come down on? What sin(s) has Pheidippides committed by the end of the play?

Essay Topic 2

1) What is Socrates' view on death? What reasons does he give for thinking the way he does about death?

2) In light of his view on death, why might the level of rigor of his trial defense be appropriate?

3) What does Socrates feel about his own legacy? What will his students do after he is gone?

Essay Topic 3

The Clouds can be said to be a satire. What is a satire? What literary devices does Aristophanes use to achieve a satirical play? What tone does he use? How does hyperbole factor in to the satirical presentation of the play? Use specific examples from the play.

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