View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Diotima's explanation, what will beasts die to protect?

2. As explained by Socrates, is love ugly or beautiful?

3. What general definition of Love does Diotima provide?

4. How many times has Alcibiades invited Socrates over for dinner?

5. In Diotima's opinion, what does a potential philosopher learn about beautiful minds?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Agathon describe love?

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

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

9. What does Socrates think the function of love is?

10. How does Diotima help Socrates understand how a person can become a philosopher through love?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Apollodorus introduces an interesting notion about the way philosophers and rich people view each other.

1) Describe Apollodorus' general opinion of people and how he got his nickname.

2) Explain why he pities rich men and the reasons why he thinks they also pity him.

3) Analyze how the story might be affected be being told by someone with Apollodorus' views on life.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,165 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample