View a FREE sample

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. What memory does Aristophanes believe humans are supposed to have of their creation?

3. What does Aristophanes state that mankind does not understand?

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

5. What does Eryximachus say about his omission of certain things in his speech?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Orpheus become an example used by Phaedrus to depict what not to do?

3. How many kinds of love does Pausanias claim there are and why?

4. How does Phaedrum describe love at the beginning of his speech?

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

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

7. Why do Socrates and Agathon argue after Aristophanes' speech?

8. Why does Phaedrus include the story of Achilles in his speech?

9. What advice does Eryximachus have for Aristophanes before he starts speaking?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The main function and purpose of love is explained by Socrates at the end of his speech.

1) Analyze Socrates' theory on love's main purpose and the way he thinks that it can lead humans to immortality.

2) Describe the practice of higher learning that Diotima taught Socrates, how a person can become a philosopher, and the important realization they need to make along the way.

3) Explain Socrates' ideas about pregnancy and the way people are remembered, including the examples that he provides.

4) Describe the "hypothesis of the higher hypothesis" by Socrates and the way it relates to the true power of love.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 907 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample