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The ''Symposium'' () is a Socratic dialogue written by Xenophon in the late 360's B.C.〔p. 403, Huss, Bernhard. “The Dancing Sokrates and the Laughing Xenophon, or the Other 'Symposium,” The American Journal of Philology, 120.3 (Autumn, 1999), 381-409.〕 In it, Socrates and a few of his companions attend a symposium (a lighthearted dinner party at which Greek aristocrats could have discussions and enjoy entertainment) hosted by Kallias for the young man Autolykos. Xenophon claims that he was present at the symposium, although this is disputed because he would have been too young to attend. The dramatic date for the ''Symposium'' is 422 B.C. Entertainment at the dinner is provided by the Syracusan and his three performers. Their feats of skill thrill the attendants and serve as points of conversation throughout the dialogue. Much of the discussion centers on what each guest is most proud of. All their answers are playful or paradoxical: Socrates, for one, prides himself on his knowledge of the art of match-making. Major themes of the work include beauty and desire, wisdom, virtue, and laughter which is evoked by Philippos the jester and the jocular discourse of the dinner guests. Xenophon demonstrates clever use of playfulness (''paidia'' ''παιδία'') and seriousness (''spoude'' ''σπουδή'') to manipulate the discussion of the above-mentioned themes in a manner appropriate to a symposium. ==''Dramatis Personae''== Xenophon consciously and carefully chooses his characters in this dialogue. Those who attend the symposium (422 B.C.) are all gentlemen (''kaloikagathoi'') and are united by their status. Later, however, their disagreements will lead them to conflict. The contemporary readers of the ''Symposium'' would have been familiar with each character’s history, and would have recognized the ironic circumstances of the dialogue. Socrates: The main character in the work. Socrates drives and controls the conversation at the symposium. He values the craft of match-making because a good match-maker can arrange suitable marriages and friendship between cities. Kallias: An exceptionally rich Athenian who has paid much money to sophists for his “wisdom.” He is the host of the Symposium for Autolykos whom he lusts after. He is proud of his ability to make other men better. He does this by giving them money, although in the dialogue it is revealed that this makes them just toward everyone but Kallias. Antisthenes: A prominent Socratic writer on whose works scholars believe Xenophon relies in part. He is one of Socrates’' companions who attends the symposium. He values his wealth because, although he has only a little, it is enough to satisfy his needs and it affords him leisure which allows him to spend time with Socrates. Autolykos: The young winner of the pankration whom Kallias invites, along with his father Lykon, to the symposium as his guests of honor. He is most proud of his father. Lykon: The father of Autolykos. Commentators identify this Lycon as one of Socrates' prosecutors at his trial in 399 B.C.〔p. 531, O. Todd, ''Xenophon IV:'' Memorabilia, Oeconomicus, Symposium, Apology, Harvard U. Press 1923.〕〔p. 399 Huss, Bernhard. “The Dancing Sokrates and the Laughing Xenophon, or the Other 'Symposium,” The American Journal of Philology, 120.3 (Autumn, 1999), 381-409.〕 When asked, he says he is most proud of his son, and is demonstrated to be the wealthiest man in the world because he would not give up Autolykos for all the Great King's wealth (3.13). Kritoboulos: He was sent to Socrates by his father for protection (4.24). Kritoboulos values his beauty because it encourages men toward all forms of virtue, not just justice. Charmides: He values his poverty because he does not have to worry about losing his possessions and he lives at the expense of the state. Charmides was one of the Thirty who were responsible for the deaths of Autolykos and Nikeratos.〔p. 157 Strauss, Leo. Xenophon's Socrates. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 1972.〕〔p. 400 Huss, Bernhard. “The Dancing Sokrates and the Laughing Xenophon, or the Other 'Symposium,” The American Journal of Philology, 120.3 (Autumn, 1999), 381-409.〕 Nikeratos: Son of the most prominent general in Athens. He is later killed by the Thirty. Nikeratos is proud of his ability to recite all of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, though he is not able to prove that this skill should be valued. He is also portrayed as a very greedy man (4.45). Hermogenes: One of Socrates’ companions, he is an extremely pious man and values the gods' favor. Syracusan and performers: A group hired by Kallias to perform at his symposium for the entertainment of the guests. The skill of the Syracusan in training his slave performers is much admired by Socrates, and the performances serve as points of conversation throughout the dialogue. Philippos the Jester: Arrives uninvited during the symposium and distracts everyone from their fascination with the beauty of Autolykos. He tries twice to elicit laughter in the guests, and only when he weeps at his failure does Kritoboulos begin laughing. Philippos contrasts with Socrates, who is easily able to make the guests laugh. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Symposium (Xenophon)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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