Here are some major themes and topics in Plato's *Symposium* that can help you draw connections to other books in a library:
* **The Nature of Love**: The central theme of the *Symposium* is love, with each guest at a dinner party praising the god Eros and offering a different perspective on its nature 【1】. This can be connected to other works exploring different types of love, such as romantic love, platonic love, or divine love.
* **The Ascent to Immortality**: The dialogue presents a progression from earthly conceptions of love to more exalted ones, suggesting a path towards immortality 【2】. This theme can be linked to books that deal with spiritual growth, self-improvement, or the pursuit of higher ideals.
* **Sobriety, Restraint, and Wisdom**: Plato uses the character of Socrates to critique the common Greek practices of homoeroticism and excessive drinking, advocating for sobriety, restraint, and wisdom 【3】. This theme can be connected to books that explore the importance of self-control, moderation, and intellectual pursuits.
* **Inferiority of Women**: The symposium is depicted as an intentionally male space, reflecting the lower status of women in ancient Greek society 【4】. This theme can be linked to books that examine gender roles, power dynamics, and the historical treatment of women.
* **The role of philosophy**: As a work of philosophy, *Symposium* can be connected to other philosophical works that explore ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology.