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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. Why is Aristophanes unable to speak in his scheduled turn?

2. According to Eryximachus, what elements create rhythm?

3. What statement about music does Eryximachus think is absurd?

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

5. According to Phaedrus' story, how could Achilles have avoided death?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the difference in the loves that Pausanias describes?

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

6. What musical example does Eryximachus use to explain the difference between good and bad relationships?

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

8. What is the setting of the Symposium and the circumstances around it?

9. According to Aristophanes, how did humans begin to walk upright?

10. What is the purpose of love, according to Eryximachus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

As Eryximachus concludes his speech, he discusses the effect love can have on things besides humans.

1) Describe Eryximachus' theory on how love can affect nature and the seasons, including examples.

2) Explain Eryximachus' definition of astrology and how love is involved with the order of the stars.

3) Based on the thoughts presented in Eryximachus' speech, describe the effect love can have on religion and worship.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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