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Lesson 1 (from Part 1, line 172a to line 177e)

Objective

Part 1, line 172a to line 177e

Symposium is a recollection of events that take place at a drinking party held in Athens. This lesson is about the reasons why Plato decides to present the story from a second- or third-hand account instead of telling it as if it were happening.

Lesson

1) Class Discussion: Who begins the dialogue of Symposium? Why is Apollodorus asked to retell the story of the dinner party? What does it say about the story that it has already been told once and continues to be requested? In what way is Apollodorus qualified to tell the story and/or verify it?

2) Writing and Analysis: Have the class take 15 minutes and write down three reasons for having the Symposium presented to the reader as a story being retold. Afterward, talk about the answers and whether the class agrees with Plato's decision.

3) Partner or Group...

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