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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 result of Pheidippides' time with Socrates?

2. At the end of Clouds, what does Strepsiades believe about Zeus?

3. Which god advises Strepsiades with respect to his faith?

4. What is the correct chronology of Socratic dialogues?

5. What is the origin of the title 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. Given Crito's criticism of Socrates, what segment of society can Crito be said to represent?

4. What reasons does Socrates give for deciding to remain in Athens, rather than escape with Crito?

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

6. What is the nature of Strepsiades' most pressing problem? What does he hope to learn from Socrates? What does Socrates in turn teach him?

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

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

9. Socrates claims that laws result in what benefits to society?

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

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

In Crito, Socrates offers an argument for why he should obey the law.

1) In Socrates' view, what gives law authority?

2) What are the negative consequences of law breaking?

3) Why must experts be relied upon, and how do they relate to laws and obeying of those laws?

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 902 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample