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

3. What is the source of the Platonic Dialogues?

4. In Agathon's opinion, how does love win?

5. What general definition of Love does Diotima provide?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What examples does Socrates provide of what men can leave behind?

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

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

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

9. How does Agathon describe love?

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

Explain how the subject of love is decided as the main topic for the speeches given at the Symposium. Be sure to include whose idea it was, how it was suggested, how the guests and Socrates, in particular, respond, and what conditions were agreed upon before the speeches begin.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the two types of love that Pausanias describes in his speech. What are their characteristics, the way they are both applied, and what Pausanias thinks the origin of love is. Also, describe the examples that Pausanias provides to support his theory.

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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