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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. Which one of the following is not an example that Eryximachus uses to describe the hostile elements?

2. Who is Apollodorus talking with at the beginning of Symposium?

3. How does Socrates appear when he meets Aristodemus before going to the party?

4. With what animal does Aristophanes compare the "man-woman creatures"?

5. Who firsts requests drinking in moderation at the party?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the subject of the speeches at the Symposium decided?

2. What is the intention of Aristophanes' speech, and what clarification does he add to the end of it?

3. What is the purpose of love, according to Eryximachus?

4. How does Phaedrus use Alcestis' story as an example in his speech?

5. In Aristophanes' opinion, what other changes do the gods make to humans, and what is the reason for the changes?

6. What do Socrates and Aristodemus talk about on the way to the house and what is Aristodemus' dilemma?

7. Where is Socrates when Aristodemus arrives at Agathon's house?

8. What approach does Eryximachus take when speaking about love and how does it differ from the previous speeches?

9. How well does Apollodorus know Socrates in order to verify the information of what took place at the Symposium?

10. Who are the parents of love, according to Pausanias?

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

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

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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