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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. Who does Alcibiades request to listen to the story of his extreme actions with Socrates?
(a) Only people who do not understand philosophy.
(b) No one.
(c) Everyone.
(d) Only people who understand philosophy.

2. According to Alcibiades, what type of music are Socrates' speeches comparable to?
(a) Tribal drums.
(b) Piano waltzes.
(c) Flute playing.
(d) A string quartet.

3. What does Diotima tell Socrates about Love's function?
(a) It allows humans to taste immortality.
(b) It allows the wise to feel ignorant.
(c) It allows humans to understand immortality.
(d) It allows the ignorant to feel wise.

4. As explained by Socrates, what is the drive for immortality related to?
(a) Neither the changes nor the achievements in a person's life.
(b) The changes, but not achievements in a person's life.
(c) The changes and achievements in a person's life.
(d) The achievements, but not changes in a person's life.

5. Who does Alcibiades compare Socrates to in his speech?
(a) Eumaros.
(b) Athenion.
(c) Melanthios.
(d) Marsyas.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the example Socrates provides, what city's laws are "fathered" by Solon?

2. What does Socrates tell Alcibiades about his political efforts?

3. How does Agathon compare love with other desires?

4. Which one of the following is not listed by Socrates as an idea that can be transmitted through love?

5. For what does Socrates give Agathon credit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Alcibiades' condition when he interrupts the party, and what does he encourage the other guests to do?

2. In Socrates' opinion, what does a person's achievements have to do with love, and which example does he use?

3. How can men become "pregnant," according to Socrates?

4. What is the purpose of the questions that Socrates asks Agathon at the beginning of his speech and on what point do they agree?

5. Why does Socrates think that love is a spirit?

6. How does Agathon describe love?

7. Why does Socrates believe that love cannot be beautiful or ugly, and what analogy does he use?

8. What examples does Socrates provide of what men can leave behind?

9. What are the statues of Silenus and why does Alcibiades include them in his speech?

10. As explained by Socrates, what is the confusing part of love and what are some of the different kinds of love that exist?

(see the answer keys)

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