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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 part of Agathon's speech does Socrates compliment?

2. What does Alcibiades assure Socrates of before he begins speaking?

3. How does Agathon describe love?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

After a brief argument with Socrates, Agathon gives his speech.

1) Explain how Agathon disagrees with Phaedrus.

2) Describe what the characteristics of love are, according to Agathon.

3) Explain how Agathon's reputation for being a playwright might have influenced his thoughts and views about love.

4) Describe the effect that love can have on people as they are given in Agathon's speech.

(see the answer keys)

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