Rhetoric - Historical Figures

p THE DIALOGUE FORM IN PLATO`S PHAEDRUS Phaedrus as a Discourse on Rhetoric

Plato '92s dialogue Phaedrus is primarily about rhetoric . It initially shows rhetoric through speeches about love (230e-234d , 237a-241d )1 1Plato . Phaedrus . Benjamin Jowett , trans (New York , New York : Modern Library , 1956 . Because this is the single work cited in this essay all further citations will give only the section number as listed in this translation . but in the second half , Socrates broadens the discussion , detailing the nature and proper practice of love and rhetoric , bringing the two s

together , and showing how each is necessary for the practice and mastery of the art (243e-257b

The first major speech , by Phaedrus , parodies the style of Lysias , a popular rhetorician , deals with the relationship between youths and their older male admirers , lovers and non-lovers (230e-234d ) In reply Socrates accepts the basic , but develops and deepens several themes . Socrates follows this with a great recantation speech , filled with beautiful and powerful images . It is an allegorical myth , touching on the subject of true love and of the soul 's journeys , and reaching genuinely poetic heights (237a-241d

Phaedrus is unlike other dialogues in that it is not a retelling of a days events . It is the direct exchange of Socrates and Phaedrus , with no other interlocutors . The reader sees this exchange first hand , as if witnessing the events themselves . Further , like natural conversation the dialogue does not limit itself to a single subject . It glides from one to another Phaedrus : The Dialogue versus the Limits of a Treatise

Phaedrus is a dialogue about rhetoric . It is a dialogue about love It is also about the relationship between Socrates and Phaedrus shifting conversationally from one subject to another , often moving through innuendoes and multiple entendres along the way . It is a human piece , as well as a study in different but interrelated s

The Dialogue Form in Plato`s Phaedrus Page Using the dialogue form , Plato can intersperse themes in a ways unthinkable in a treatise . One key issues that he interjects is pederasty , love of a man for a youth . In a treatise on rhetoric , almost any such reference would be awkward here , it becomes an added layer highlighting much that is said . Lysias '92 speech is expressly about pederastic relationships (230e-234d ) In his great speech , Socrates details the impact of pederastic relationship on the evolution of the soul . Discussion of pederastic love and ideals (250a-258b

Throughout the dialogue , double entendres and sexual innuendo is abundant . Phaedrus flirts with Socrates as he encourages him to make his first speech (235b , 236b-d ) Phaedrus remarks that at noon-time that Socrates should not leave as the heat has not passed and it is "straight-up , as they say (242a ) Socrates wishes to know what Phaedrus is holding under his cloak (228d ) And yet , role reversals between lover and beloved are constant . Socrates exhorts Phaedrus to lead the way at various times (229b ) and the dialogue ends with Socrates and Phaedrus leaving as "friends " equals , not...