Symposium Summary

Apollodorus is begged by his friend to repeat to him the story of a dinner that took place at Agathon's house in which Agathon, Socrates, and others each gave speeches about love. Apollodorus was not there, but received a detailed account from someone who was, Aristodemus. Apollodorus agrees, saying that recounting it makes him happy because of his fondness for Socrates and philosophy.

As the story begins, Aristodemus runs into Socrates by chance and is invited to come along to a dinner that is being held by Agathon. Aristodemus agrees. On the walk there, Socrates is entranced in thought and remains outside of the party for half of dinner absorbed in contemplation. Socrates returns and as they are finishing dinner, the men agree not to drink, since most of them drank heavily the night before. Instead, Agathon suggests that each man takes a...