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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 has Strepsiades run into financial difficulties?

2. When is an expert undermined?

3. Which is one of the popular theories for why Socrates advanced a lackluster defense at his trial?

4. What position does Strepsiades have in society?

5. Why does Strepsiades seek out Socrates?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Socrates, in Crito, state his case for why he will remain in jail and face his death sentence? What forms are in use?

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

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

4. What are the consequences of breaking the law?

5. What represents the "last straw" in Strepsiades' relationship with his son? Why does he refuse to speak to him in the end?

6. What is the nature of the fight Strepsiades and Pheidippides have when Strepsiades throws a party for his son?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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