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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 tell Socrates about Love's function?

3. As explained by Diotima, how many people is a young person initially attracted to?

4. How does Alcibiades claim that Socrates assaulted him?

5. Why does Diotima think Love is not a god?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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