Dialogues · Character

Homer

Epic poet frequently quoted and discussed by Socrates.

minor

Also known as Friend Homer, Homer of Tragedy, the divine Homer

First appearance: dialogues

Homer's tie to Socrates is one of the pressures that moves Dialogues—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Mentioned as an example of ancient genius contrasted with later rhetoricians and sophists.

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With Socrates (psychological): Socrates frequently references Homer as a revered but flawed authority, using his epics to critique poetic knowledge. With Socrates (psychological): Socrates frequently references Homer as a revered but flawed authority, using his epics to critique poetic knowledge. With Socrates (psychological): Socrates frequently references Homer as a revered but flawed authority, using his epics to critique poetic knowledge.

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Character Web

43 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Philosophers and Interlocutors
Extended Cast of Dialogues

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

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Relationships

Socrates
psychological · ambivalent
Socrates frequently references Homer as a revered but flawed authority, using his epics… How this plays out →
Socrates
psychological · ambivalent
Socrates frequently references Homer as a revered but flawed authority, using his epics… How this plays out →
Socrates
psychological · ambivalent
Socrates frequently references Homer as a revered but flawed authority, using his epics… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

Homer appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

On the Decline of Greek Literature
Mentioned as an example of ancient genius contrasted with later rhetoricians and sophists.
Phaedrus
Listed among poets and writers to whom a message about true writing is to be conveyed.
Ion
Homer is the central poet discussed; Ion claims unique expertise in interpreting his works.
Book III
Quoted as a source of passages about the underworld that Socrates argues should be expunged.
§ II
Mentioned as a poet whose works were interpreted by early philosophers.
Book IX
Mentioned as an example of a poet whose writings may lay down evil precepts, contrasted with legislators like Lycurgus and Solon.
Second Alcibiades
Quoted as the poet who spoke of Margites knowing many things badly, interpreted by Socrates as a riddle.
Endnotes
Quoted in several endnotes, including passages from the Iliad and Odyssey.

Chapter companion notes

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See Homer in On the Decline of Greek Literature