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

2. Where does Diotima think that Love sleeps?

3. What complaint does the drunken Alcibiades have at the end of Part 7?

4. How does Diotima think a young person should interact with beautiful minds?

5. Why does Socrates object to Alcibiades' idea for a speech?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why does Socrates think that love is a spirit?

9. How does Socrates' theory of passing on knowledge apply to his own life?

10. What does love have the power to do, according to Agathon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Diotima teaches Socrates about love and Socrates relates what he has learned to the guests at the Symposium.

1) Describe the definition of love that Socrates begins his speech with, as well as how he reached his opinion.

2) Discuss what Socrates thinks the characteristics of love are, along with why and how they contradict Agathon's speech.

3) Explain the reasons why Socrates believes that love is a spirit.

(see the answer keys)

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