ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The Symposium (Ancient Greek: , Sympósion [sympósi̯on]) is a philosophical text by Plato, dated c. 385–370 BC.

Detailed explanation-2: -Plato’s SYMPOSIUM At least one commentator has speculated that Plato wrote this dialogue as a form of brochure for his Academy in Athens. It gives a sampling of what it might be like to attend a class at the Academy.

Detailed explanation-3: -Plato’s Symposium (written around 385 BCE) portrays an evening party among close male associates and friends. The dramatic date of the gathering within Symposium is 416 BCE, identifiable from the historical record of the tragic poet Agathon’s victory in Athens’ annual drama competition, to which the play alludes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Background Info. A symposium in Greek, literally means a drinking party. But Plato’s Symposium takes the occasion of a drinking party first to praise Love and then to define it. It is a philosophical dialogue, in which meaning is created in the exchange of words between the participants.