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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. What is the order of the three things in Hesiod's theory, as referenced by Phaedrus?
(a) First Earth, then Chaos and Love.
(b) First Earth, then Love and Chaos.
(c) First Chaos, then Earth and Love.
(d) First Love, then Earth and Chaos.

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

3. According to Agathon, how does love deal with old age?
(a) It fights it.
(b) It is unaware of it.
(c) It runs away.
(d) It embraces it.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Phaedrus describe Love?

2. How does Aristophanes define love?

3. As used in Eryximachus' speech, what does the word "licentiousness" mean?

4. What memory does Aristophanes believe humans are supposed to have of their creation?

5. Besides Apollodorus, to whom else has Aristodemus recounted the events of the party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What effect does love have on nature and the seasons, as mentioned in the end of Eryximachus' speech?

2. In Aristophanes' opinion, what other changes do the gods make to humans, and what is the reason for the changes?

3. What might be seen as controversial about Pausanias' speech?

4. What is the description of the creature that Aristophanes gives at the beginning of his speech?

5. How does Socrates first appear when he is introduced in the Symposium?

6. What is the setting of the Symposium and the circumstances around it?

7. How is Aristodemus' dilemma resolved when he and Socrates arrive at the party?

8. What is the purpose of love, according to Eryximachus?

9. How is the subject of the speeches at the Symposium decided?

10. What approach does Eryximachus take when speaking about love and how does it differ from the previous speeches?

(see the answer keys)

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