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Plato's Symposium: The First Tragedy

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As I read my second book that involves Socrates, I enjoy reading about him. You get the sense that he has a lot of knowledge to share with others and that many people want to listen to what he has to say. Another thing I like about him is that he isn’t afraid to add in sarcastic comments, even to those that are popular. At the beginning of the book, Symposium, a story was being told to a rich businessman that was passed down by a few people because it was the famous story of a party that was to celebrate the honor of Agathon and the success of the first tragedy. Apollodorus, the one telling the story, heard it from Aristodemus, a guest at the party with Socrates. Socrates was going to a dinner at Agathon’s because his work of art won him the first prize at the Lenaean festival. As Socrates and Aristodemus are walking to the party, Socrates falls behind and Aristodemus arrives by himself. Socrates refuses to go in and stays on the neighbor’s porch thinking. Halfway through the meal, Socrates comes in to join. Agathon asked Socrates to share his wisdom while he sits by him on the couch where Socrates responds a little sarcastically. They then sit down and decide to have a serious conversation instead of enjoy the entertainment. At this point, I was surprised because the title of the book is Symposium, which means drinks-party, but instead …show more content…

Hesiod said, “Chaos was the first existence, but was followed by Earth and Love.” Acusilaus and Parmenides agree that Love is among the oldest gods. Phaedrus then goes into detail about how Love teaches us that there is shame in acting disgracefully and there is pride in acting well. He tells stories of those that would sacrifice their life for the ones they love. Phaedrus then concludes that the most honored and ancient of the gods is Love and it is capable of giving you happiness and

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