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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 interpret Heraclitus' words to mean?

2. According to Glaucon, what is the road to Athens made for?

3. As Eryximachus explains, what is harmony composed of?

4. How many types of "creatures" does Aristophanes think there were in the beginning of man?

5. How does Eryximachus define astronomy?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Orpheus become an example used by Phaedrus to depict what not to do?

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

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

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

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

7. As Eryximachus explains, what is the role of a doctor in healing a patient?

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

9. What advice does Eryximachus have for Aristophanes before he starts speaking?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Diotima teaches Socrates about love and Socrates relates what he has learned to the guests at the Symposium.

1) Describe the definition of love that Socrates begins his speech with, as well as how he reached his opinion.

2) Discuss what Socrates thinks the characteristics of love are, along with why and how they contradict Agathon's speech.

3) Explain the reasons why Socrates believes that love is a spirit.

Essay Topic 2

After a brief argument with Socrates, Agathon gives his speech.

1) Explain how Agathon disagrees with Phaedrus.

2) Describe what the characteristics of love are, according to Agathon.

3) Explain how Agathon's reputation for being a playwright might have influenced his thoughts and views about love.

4) Describe the effect that love can have on people as they are given in Agathon's speech.

Essay Topic 3

Eryximachus' speech features a departure in the approach of the topic, love.

1) Describe how Eryximachus takes Aristophanes' place in the order of speeches and why.

2) Explain Erystimachus' scientific approach to love, including the role it has in medicine and health.

3) Analyze the major differences in the speeches that took place before Eryximachus' speech and the one that he delivers.

(see the answer keys)

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