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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. How does Eryximachus define symphony?

2. In Pausanius' view, who is the father of the youngest goddess of love?

3. Why does Apollodorus have pity for rich men?

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

5. Which one of the following is not an example that Eryximachus uses to describe the hostile elements?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where is Socrates when Aristodemus arrives at Agathon's house?

3. What are the different types of the creatures that Aristophanes speaks about?

4. How is the story of the Symposium introduced and who is responsible for telling it?

5. How many kinds of love does Pausanias claim there are and why?

6. What is the intention of Aristophanes' speech, and what clarification does he add to the end of it?

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

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

9. Why does Phaedrus include the story of Achilles in his speech?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Before Socrates starts giving his speech on love, he takes the time to make some observations about the other speeches and preface his own.

1) Analyze Socrates' opinions of the other speeches in general, including the compliments he has for them, along with the way he dismisses them.

2) Describe Socrates' comments about Agathon's speech.

3) Explain the irony in Socrates' assumption that the speeches should contain the truth and the way that he prepares the guests for his speech.

4) Describe why Socrates is compelled to speak the truth as he understands it, his lack of concern for who it might offend, and how that adds to his reputation.

Essay Topic 2

The intentions of Aristophanes' speech are called into question after he makes a clarification at its conclusion.

1) Explain what you think the intentions of Aristophanes are in giving his speech and why.

2) Analyze why Aristophanes would take the time to give a speech that does not take the discussion of love in a significant direction.

3) Describe who Aristophanes' speech might have been designed to offend, either intentionally or unintentionally, and why.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the origin of love and the events leading up to it as they are outlined in the speech given by Socrates. Also, provide an analysis of Socrates' opinions on the resilience of love and how it is a reflection of both of its parents.

(see the answer keys)

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