Platonic Love In The Symposium By Alcibiades

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In Plato, love is seen from different viewpoints. Alcibiades speech gives us an understanding of platonic love. Platonic love, according to Plato “is the kind of love that involves the affectionate relationship between men without sexual intimacy”. In the Symposium, Alcibiades enters the symposium very drunk and tells a story about his failure to seduce Socrates. I believe Alcibiades story exemplifies the soul and body as two working together to reach knowledge and wisdom but fails. “I am to speak in praise of Socrates, gentleman and I will just try to do it by means of similes” (215c). Alcibiades compares Socrates to the gods Silenus and Marsyas. Silenus isn’t the most attractive god but is beautiful on the inside just like Socrates. Marsyas lures people with her music, just like Socrates lures people with his words. Alcibiades is a young attractive man that believes Socrates will want to desire him just base off his looks. Unfortunately, he is wrong. Alcibiades becomes the lover in …show more content…

Alcibiades believe wrestling with Socrates would cause a spark when their body touch. Back then, when one would wrestle, their body would be covered in oil so that it makes it harder for the opponent to tackle. Lastly, you would wrestle naked. Alcibiades just cannot seem to get through to Socrates. “I invited him to dinner with me, exactly like a lover with design on his beloved…. after we dined. I went on talking till late at night and when he wanted to go I forced him pretending it was late” (217c). Alcibiades tricks Socrates by letting him know he had too much to drink and that it is dangerous to walk home and he should go home in the morning. “Asleep Socrates” (219 b) Alcibiades wants to let Socrates know what is on his mind. “ You are the only lover I have ever had worthy of me”. Alcibiades feels embarrassed as he expresses his feeling for Socrates because they are not

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