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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 kind of literature does Agathon thank love for inspiring?

2. What characteristics does love have, according to Agathon?

3. How does Homer describe love's feet in the passage quoted by Agathon?

4. Who does Socrates refer to as an example of a remembered writer?

5. Which one of the following is not used by Diotima to describe Love?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can men become "pregnant," according to Socrates?

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

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

4. How does Agathon disagree with Phaedrus in the beginning of his speech and why?

5. Who is Diotima and what is significant about the experience Socrates had with her?

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

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

8. How does Socrates' theory of passing on knowledge apply to his own life?

9. What is Socrates' opinion of the speeches he has heard?

10. As explained by Socrates, what is the confusing part of love and what are some of the different kinds of love that exist?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the entire Socrates-Agathon-Alcibiades escapade that occurs at the end of the story by including the following:

1) Explain the past events of Socrates and Alcibiades, including the effect Socrates has on Alcibiades, the failed advances that Alcibiades makes, and the descriptions he gives about Socrates.

2) Summarize the intentions and main ideas of Alcibiades' speech and the accusation he makes against Socrates.

3) Describe Socrates' response to Alcibiades, the way he exposes his plan, and the actions of both Socrates and Agathon after the speech is finished.

(see the answer keys)

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