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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 does Socrates think about the speeches he has just heard?
(a) They are filled with the truth.
(b) They make no sense.
(c) They are filled with lies.
(d) They are too logical.

2. How does Diotima define a spirit?
(a) Something that does not speak to either mortals or Gods.
(b) Something that causes mortals to fear Gods.
(c) Something that connects mortals and Gods.
(d) Something that divides mortals and Gods.

3. For what does Socrates give Agathon credit?
(a) Giving such a detailed definition of love.
(b) Giving such a broad definition of love.
(c) Recommending love to everyone.
(d) Recommending love to only those who deserve it.

4. In Diotima's opinion, what is the confusing point of Love?
(a) It is what the lover cannot feel.
(b) It is what the lover feels.
(c) It is what the lover might or might not feel.
(d) It is what the lover should not feel.

5. Why does Diotima think Love is not a god?
(a) Love cannot create things.
(b) Love cannot make laws.
(c) Love can die quickly.
(d) Love cannot understand the language of the Gods.

Short Answer Questions

1. What part of Agathon's speech does Socrates compliment?

2. According to Diotima, how many people does a young person eventually become attracted to?

3. What example does Socrates use as a tale that has lived throughout generations?

4. In Socrates' speech, how does he describe someone who searches for wisdom?

5. Who does Socrates refer to as an example of a remembered writer?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Agathon describe love?

3. What events does Alcibiades describe in his speech, and how do they show that Socrates cannot be bribed?

4. What suggestion does Alcibiades make, why does Socrates object to it, and how does Alcibiades convince him to allow it?

5. How does Agathon disagree with Phaedrus in the beginning of his speech and why?

6. According to Socrates, what is the origin of love?

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

8. What accusation does Alcibiades make against Socrates and why?

9. How does Diotima help Socrates understand how a person can become a philosopher through love?

10. Who is Diotima and what is significant about the experience Socrates had with her?

(see the answer keys)

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