Prose Set Text Group 2 (2023–24): Plato, Symposium 201d–206b — OCR A-Level Greek

Plato's Symposium 201d–206b presents Socrates' account of Diotima's teachings on the nature of Love (Eros), arguing that Love is not a god but a daimon, the child of Resource and Poverty, who desires the good and beautiful. This passage is central to understanding Platonic philosophy, as it introduces the idea that love is a stepping stone toward the ultimate vision of Beauty itself, a key concept in Platonic metaphysics and ethics.

This passage from Plato's Symposium is a turning point in the dialogue. After several speeches praising Love (Eros) as a god, Socrates takes the stage and, through a conversation with Agathon, exposes contradictions in the idea that Love is beautiful and good. He then recounts the teachings of the priestess Diotima, who reveals the true nature of Love as a daimon, an intermediary spirit between gods and humans. This redefinition is crucial because it transforms Love from an object of praise into a philosophical impulse, a desire for what one lacks, which ultimately leads to the contemplation of the Form of Beauty.

The passage is set within the context of a symposion, a drinking party, where each guest delivers a speech in praise of Love. Socrates' speech is distinctive because it is not a rhetorical encomium but a philosophical investigation. By using the Socratic method, he demonstrates that Love is not a god but a lover, and that the object of love is the good and the beautiful. Diotima's 'ladder of love' provides a systematic path from physical attraction to intellectual appreciation, culminating in the vision of Beauty itself. This ascent is a metaphor for philosophical education and the soul's journey towards the Forms.

For OCR A-Level Greek, this passage is a set text that requires close reading and analysis of the original Greek. Students must understand the philosophical arguments, the literary techniques, and the cultural context. The passage is also significant for its influence on later philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism and Christian theology. Mastering this text involves not only translating accurately but also interpreting the deeper meanings and engaging with scholarly debates about Plato's intentions.

• →Eros as a daimon: Love is not a god but an intermediary spirit, born of Resource and Poverty, who desires the good and beautiful.
• →The nature of desire: Love is a desire for what one lacks, and therefore Love is not beautiful or good but a lover of these things.
• →The ladder of love: A progressive ascent from physical attraction to the contemplation of Beauty itself, representing the path of philosophical education.
• →The Form of Beauty: The ultimate object of love, which is eternal, absolute, and the source of all beautiful things.
• →The role of philosophy: Love is closely linked to philosophy, as both involve the pursuit of wisdom and the recognition of one's own ignorance.

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text.
• Understand and appreciate the literary context through reading an appropriate selection of ancient literature in English translation.
• Understand and appreciate the social, cultural and historical contexts for the set text, author and audience.
• Identify, analyse and evaluate literary techniques, characterisation, strength of argument and literary meaning.
• Use appropriate technical terms in English to describe literary techniques and features.
• Demonstrate appropriate historical and/or cultural knowledge when necessary for evaluation.
• Select relevant information from the material studied to support arguments.
• Present relevant information in a clear, concise and coherent manner whilst writing at length.

• 💡Ensure familiarity with the English translation of the wider context (Symposium 189c2 to 193d5 and 206c to 212c3) to support essay responses.
• 💡Focus on the development of the argument within the dialogue.
• 💡Use technical terminology to describe literary and philosophical techniques.
• 💡Always quote the Greek text to support your points, and translate accurately. For example, use 'daimon' (δαίμων) and explain its meaning.
• 💡When discussing the ladder of love, make sure you list the stages in the correct order and explain the significance of each step.
• 💡Be prepared to discuss the literary and philosophical context, such as the role of the symposium and the contrast with earlier speeches.

• Misconception: Love is a god. Correction: In this passage, Socrates explicitly argues that Love is not a god but a daimon, because gods are already perfect and do not desire what they have.
• Misconception: The ladder of love is about loving different types of people. Correction: It is about broadening one's appreciation of beauty, from physical to intellectual, and finally to the Form of Beauty itself.
• Misconception: Diotima is a real historical figure. Correction: She is likely a fictional creation of Plato, used to give authority to Socrates' teachings and to introduce ideas that go beyond Socrates' own views.

1. 1Week 1: Read the passage in Greek and English translation. Annotate key terms and philosophical arguments. Create a vocabulary list of important words (e.g., δαίμων, ἔρως, καλόν, ἀγαθόν).
2. 2Week 2: Focus on the myth of Poros and Penia. Analyse how it illustrates the nature of Love. Write a summary of the myth and its philosophical implications.
3. 3Week 3: Study the ladder of love in detail. Create a diagram showing the stages and their progression. Practice explaining each stage in your own words.
4. 4Week 4: Practise past exam questions. Write timed essays on topics such as the nature of Love, the role of Diotima, and the significance of the passage. Review mark schemes to understand what examiners expect.

• 📋Translation and comprehension: You may be asked to translate a passage and answer questions on grammar and syntax. Practice translating the set text accurately.
• 📋Short-answer questions on content: These may ask you to identify key ideas, such as the parentage of Love or the stages of the ladder. Be concise and precise.
• 📋Essay questions: These often require you to analyse the philosophical significance of the passage, compare it with other speeches, or discuss Plato's use of myth. Structure your essay with a clear introduction, argument, and conclusion.
• 📋Source analysis: You might be given an unseen passage and asked to relate it to the set text. Use your knowledge of the themes and arguments to make connections.