The Symposium

In this lively banquet scene, a group of Athenian men gathers at the house of Callias to entertain the celebrated youth Autolycus and his father after a Panathenaic horse race. Among the guests are Socrates, the sharp‑tongued Critobulus, the thoughtful Hermogenes, the austere Antisthenes, and the charming Charmides, each bringing his own temperament to the conversation. Xenophon portrays the evening with a blend of humor and seriousness, letting the participants weave anecdotes, playful banter, and reflections on virtue into the flow of wine and song.

The dialogue unfolds as a series of short speeches and exchanges that reveal how these friends view wisdom, friendship, and the role of philosophy in everyday life. While the setting is a festive feast, the conversation often turns to the contrast between learned sophists and the self‑taught seekers of truth, exposing the social tensions of the period. Listeners will appreciate the accessible style and the vivid sense of camaraderie that makes this classic banquet feel surprisingly modern.