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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Aristophanes' opinion, how are humans originally shaped?
(a) They are the same shape as they are now.
(b) They are round.
(c) They have no definite shape.
(d) They are square.

2. What is Aristodemus concerned about as he and Socrates go to the party?
(a) That he will not be able to give a proper speech.
(b) That he will not be able to stay as long as the other guests.
(c) That he has not been invited.
(d) That he will not fit in with the other guests.

3. What is one of the points that Eryximachus makes with Urania's story?
(a) The avoidance of the intemperate.
(b) The avoidance of the temperate.
(c) The acceptance of the temperate.
(d) The acceptance of the intemperate.

4. What statement about music does Eryximachus think is absurd?
(a) Melody is contradicting.
(b) Melody is discord.
(c) Harmony is discord.
(d) Harmony is contradicting.

5. In Aristophanes' opinion, why do the gods make changes to humans?
(a) Out of the need for perfection.
(b) To make sure that humans stay inferior.
(c) Out of mercy for humans.
(d) To earn the humans' trust and gratitude.

6. Who has an argument at the end of Aristophanes' speech?
(a) Aristophanes and Agathon.
(b) Socrates, Aristophanes, and Agathon.
(c) Socrates and Agathon.
(d) Socrates and Aristophanes.

7. What are the doors like when Aristodemus reaches Agathon's house?
(a) They are closed, but unlocked.
(b) They are slightly open.
(c) They are closed and locked.
(d) They are wide open.

8. Where does Phaedrus think that Achilles was sent after his death?
(a) Tenedos.
(b) Ionian Islands.
(c) The Islands of the Blest.
(d) Babylon.

9. According to Phaedrus' story, how could Achilles have avoided death?
(a) By not slaying Hector.
(b) By not slaying Agamemnon.
(c) By slaying Hector.
(d) By slaying Agamemnon.

10. What fear does Aristophanes have before making his speech?
(a) That people will not enjoy it.
(b) That people will not understand it.
(c) That people will disagree with it.
(d) That people will laugh at it.

11. According to Phaedrus, who are Love's parents?
(a) The gods.
(b) There is no record of Love's parents.
(c) The earth and the sun.
(d) The moon and the sun.

12. As related by Apollodorus, how many years has Agathon not resided at Athens?
(a) Only a few years.
(b) Many years.
(c) Only one year.
(d) Agathon still resides in Athens.

13. What is the "art" that Eryximachus refers to as the inspiration for the ideas in his speech?
(a) Painting.
(b) Prose.
(c) Sculpture.
(d) Medicine.

14. Who is Apollodorus talking with at the beginning of Symposium?
(a) Agathon.
(b) A companion.
(c) Socrates.
(d) A soldier.

15. How does Pausanius describe the love taking place in barbarian countries?
(a) Honorable.
(b) Thoughtless.
(c) Meaningful.
(d) Dishonorable.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Eryximachus describe Polyhymnia?

2. With what animal does Aristophanes compare the "man-woman creatures"?

3. According to Pausanius, what is the love of the body rather than the soul?

4. What does Eryximachus believe to be the source of pestilence and destruction in nature?

5. Which goddess does Pausanius associate with love?

(see the answer keys)

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