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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. Why do humans walk upright, according to Aristophanes?

2. How is the muse, Urania, described in Eryximachus' speech?

3. Which country does Pausanius use as an example of barbarian laws?

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

5. What three elements share a harmonious love in nature, as stated by Eryximachus?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is the description of the creature that Aristophanes gives at the beginning of his speech?

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

7. How does Socrates first appear when he is introduced in the Symposium?

8. What musical example does Eryximachus use to explain the difference between good and bad relationships?

9. As Eryximachus explains, what is the role of a doctor in healing a patient?

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

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

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

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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