**Plato's** ***The Symposium*** explores several themes and topics that can connect it to other books in a library.
Key themes and topics:
* **The Nature of Love (Eros)**: This is the central theme, with characters offering different perspectives on love 【1】【2】. *The Symposium* recognizes Eros as both an erotic phenomenon and a source of courage, valor and inspiration 【3】. This theme can connect to other philosophical works exploring love, such as those by **Aristotle** or **St. Augustine**, or to literary works that examine different types of love.
* **The Ascent to Immortality**: The dialogue portrays a progression from worldly conceptions of love to more exalted ones 【4】. This theme can be linked to books on spiritual journeys, self-improvement, and the pursuit of higher ideals.
* **Sobriety, Restraint, and Wisdom**: **Plato** uses **Socrates** to represent sobriety and restraint, critiquing the common Greek practices of homoeroticism and drinking parties 【5】. This theme connects to books on ethics, self-control, and the dangers of indulgence, as well as biographies of figures known for their wisdom and moderation.
* **Inferiority of Women**: The symposium is depicted as an intentionally male space, reflecting the societal norms of ancient Greece 【6】. This topic can be connected to historical and sociological works that discuss the role and status of women in ancient societies, as well as feminist literature and critiques of patriarchal structures.
* **Ancient Greek Symposia**: The book provides insights into the social and cultural context of Greek ritual banquets, including discussions on homoeroticism 【5】【7】. This can be linked to books on ancient Greek culture, social customs, and the history of sexuality.
* **Love, Beauty, and Ideal Forms**: *The Symposium* also explores themes of beauty and ideal forms 【8】.