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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 many kinds of Love are there, according to Diotima?

2. What phrase does Socrates use to refer to the practice of learning?

3. According to Socrates, what is the lover directed towards?

4. How does Alcibiades claim that Socrates assaulted him?

5. How does Agathon describe love?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Socrates think that love is a spirit?

3. In Socrates' opinion, what does a person's achievements have to do with love, and which example does he use?

4. What is the purpose of the questions that Socrates asks Agathon at the beginning of his speech and on what point do they agree?

5. What does love have the power to do, according to Agathon?

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

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

8. What is the definition that Socrates gives of love?

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

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

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

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 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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