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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. What does Eryximachus say about his omission of certain things in his speech?

2. As Aristophanes explains, what part of the body is extra skin used to form?

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

4. What causes the "man-woman" creatures in Aristophanes' story to become adulterers?

5. Why does Socrates refuse to attend Agathon's sacrifice of victory?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How well does Apollodorus know Socrates in order to verify the information of what took place at the Symposium?

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

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

5. Why is Aristophanes unable to speak after Pausanias as scheduled?

6. Why do Socrates and Agathon argue after Aristophanes' speech?

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

8. How does Phaedrus use Alcestis' story as an example in his speech?

9. How does Phaedrum describe love at the beginning of his speech?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the way Plato decides to tell the story of the Symposium. Include the effects of having a story delivered from a second-hand account, why Apollodorus is qualified to recount the events of the party, and how he has been able to confirm the information that Aristodemus provided. Also, explain whether Plato's own opinions of Socrates influence the way the story is presented.

Essay Topic 2

Explain how the subject of love is decided as the main topic for the speeches given at the Symposium. Be sure to include whose idea it was, how it was suggested, how the guests and Socrates, in particular, respond, and what conditions were agreed upon before the speeches begin.

Essay Topic 3

Socrates' introduction establishes his personality and reputation.

1) Describe how Socrates is first introduced as he talks with Aristodemus.

2) Explain why Socrates fears crowds and how that adds to his philosophical demeanor.

3) Describe the topics of conversation between Socrates and Aristodemus on their way to the party, the people quoted, and the points made.

4) Explain how and why Socrates disappears upon arriving at Agathon's house.

(see the answer keys)

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