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 included in Diotima's list of things that spirits help with?

2. According to Agathon, who can love capture?

3. What general definition of Love does Diotima provide?

4. Which one of the following is not used by Diotima to describe Love?

5. How does Agathon compare love with other desires?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Diotima help Socrates understand how a person can become a philosopher through love?

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

3. Who is Diotima and what is significant about the experience Socrates had with her?

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

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

6. As explained by Socrates, what is the confusing part of love and what are some of the different kinds of love that exist?

7. How does Agathon describe love?

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

9. What suggestion does Alcibiades make, why does Socrates object to it, and how does Alcibiades convince him to allow it?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the questions that Socrates asks Agathon at the beginning of his speech. Include the point of the questions, the logic that Socrates uses, Agathon's responses, and Socrates' purpose for asking them.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the possible controversy of Pausanias' speech as it might be interpreted today by detailing his views on relationships and the laws that govern them. Include an analysis of the differences in time period, why Pausanias might have made this type of speech, and whether the practices he endorses are acceptable.

Essay Topic 3

Phaedrus speaks about the way people will fight and/or die for love.

1) Summarize Phaedrus' opinion of love and its ability to motivate people.

2) Describe the story of Alcestis as it is used in Phaedrus' speech.

3) Compare the stories of Achilles and Orpheus in the way they are referenced by Phaedrus.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 824 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample