Sappho And Plato's Love Analysis

This essay explores the differences between the nature of Sappho 's Love and Plato 's Love by examining their respective works. First, we will define each of the author 's idea of love. Next, we will discover what makes them different. After, we will find some of the objections and observations once one places these two philosophies together. Finally, this essay will explore personal extrapolations and opinions made from reading both works

Before one dives into the depths of the respective philosophies, we should establish the definition and nature of each author 's form of love. First, we have Sappho, examined from “Excerpts from: If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho” and her concept of 'Eros ' otherwise known as the erotic. To expand

It is also described as a “sweetbitter” conflict between two forces. (Carson 1998 pp.1) Carson points out the idea of opposing forces by highlighting that love and hate are two sides of the same coin. (Carson 1998 pp.16) Sappho also describes this paradoxical antithesis in her use of describing physical love as both “a fire racing underneath her skin.” and being “doused... in a wintry ditch.” (Carson 2003 pp. 2) Finally, we see Sappho speaking to a former lover, as their love dissolves Sappho is without bitterness or regret. Instead Sappho speaks in the present, as if knowing that love was going to pass inevitably and to rejoice in the memory of the good times they had. (Carson 1998 pp.5) We can extrapolate from Sappho 's poems that love for her is physical, temporary, ambivalent and not necessarily 'good '.

Diotima had a very different and perhaps opposing perspective, love is inherently good and is fueled by the desire for beauty and immortality. (Plato pp.50 206B - 206E) Love for Diotima was attributed to a higher form than what Sappho described. In Diotima 's perspective aiming to become a god and to be immortal was 'good ' and was accomplished in two ways: Vulgar love and noble

Diotima describes the need to mate and create offspring like it is a disease. (Plato pp. 54 207B) It 's purpose is to give birth to children and gain immortality via offspring. The reason why a mother 's love is so strong for her children is out of a type of protective zeal to preserve her own immortality. (Plato pp. 55 208B - 208C) Next, is noble love, the type of love that happens between a boy and a man. This form of love is the only one that gives birth to beauty, knowledge and ideas. It is clear that Diotima sees the love between the young boy and the man as the best form of love, since ideas are longer lasting than children and are far more immortal and beautiful. She cites how a boy, when properly educated in this type of love gives birth to beautiful and virtuous things like justice and moderation. (Plato pp.56 208E –