Analysis Of Plato's Symposium

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Recommended: Scansion and analysis of love is not all

Plato’s Symposium: The 7th Speaker - Interstitial Space of the Twin Soul
The Symposium is considered one of Plato’s great literary works. Although short in its Platonic dialogue, many philosophers agree that Plato wrote the Symposium to explore the true nature of love through Socrates’ wisdom. The Symposium is set at a dinner party and offers speeches from six prominent Athenian intellectuals. Each speaker presents varying perspectives on love as a eulogy to Eros, the God of Love. The varying perspectives all lead up to a speech by Socrates unveiling the truth about love and wisdom.
This thesis paper analyzes the key speeches given in Plato’s Symposium. However, I also go back in time, finding myself at that same Athenian dinner party amongst the others and become Plato’s seventh speaker, offering another eulogy to Eros in which I express my own theory of love. My purpose will be to express my understanding of the relationship between love, desire, and philosophy, drawing upon the insight of each Symposium speaker. As the seventh speaker, I will express how humans seek truth from love and wisdom through the search of Self, but only when mirroring their twin soul. In this universal mission intertwined with experience of Self and its other half, each must wait until the whole is discovered…
LOVE - THE BECOMING
SHAME
Phaedrus, our first Symposium speaker, interprets love as a great honor and a powerful force that drives men to die for their lovers. Through feelings of shame, honor and sacrifice, one experiences true love. He speaks of a great benefit between a young lover and a beloved as they become worthy of each other, forming a noble bond that wherein neither man would want to experience shame or be caught in cowardly acts...

... middle of paper ...

...eir predestined mission. This relationship explores and expresses the true nature of love’s being. Selflessly, however, their main mission is to guide others back to their own twin experience.
The twin halves, now complete, will love others through their love for each other. The greatest gift has been given to them. In sharing, the two souls pair in love for their spiritual service to the unfolding of universal wisdom. Their love for each other manifests a greater love from a higher source. This greatness can be felt and embraced by others in a way that allows them to experience Self within their interstitial space; thus reflecting love. In this energy, humans will discover true love and what is truly wise, beautiful and good for all. Love - the Interstitial Space – the Self - the Reunion – The Wisdom to Manifest Universal Love. This is the true essence of love.

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