Writing Assignment - Encomium of Eros

Aristodemus doesn't remember all the speeches at the party, but more speeches were given than he relates. If you had been at the party what encomium of eros would you have given for your turn? You may refute or agree with other speakers or invent your own arguments. How do you define eros? What are its good points and why should it be praised? Like the other speakers at the symposium, you should make specific reference to other speeches that support or contradict your own account.

Your speech may be in any kind of style, just as the styles of the speeches in the text are varied, but give some reasoning for your style (as the speakers do – think of Eryximachus and Aristophanes in particular). Of course, some styles are more difficult to write in than others, and content is more important than form, at least to an academic audience. Likewise, you should, for your academic audience, footnote the references you make to the other speeches. Try to restrain the length of your discourse to the length of the other speeches in the symposium (3-4 pages). After all, everyone must have a turn at praising Eros!

The writing assignment is due at the beginning of class on Friday, October 11. Please ensure that your writing is free from annoying typographical, spelling, and grammatical errors. Readable fonts and reasonable margins are always appreciated.