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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. According to Diotima, how many people does a young person eventually become attracted to?

2. What does Diotima compare Love to in explaining its features?

3. In Diotima's opinion, what is the confusing point of Love?

4. What example does Socrates use as a tale that has lived throughout generations?

5. On what point do Socrates and Agathon agree?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. At the conclusion of his speech, what does Socrates states is the true power or purpose of love?

3. What is Alcibiades' condition when he interrupts the party, and what does he encourage the other guests to do?

4. According to Alcibiades, what effect did Socrates have on him?

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

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

7. What are the statues of Silenus and why does Alcibiades include them in his speech?

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

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

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

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

Describe the parallels between love and music that Eryximachus makes in his speech. Include several examples of how love and music are similar and why Eryximachus uses music as an effective metaphor in analyzing the way that love works.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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