# Socrates — The Everlasting Man character guide

> Socrates in The Everlasting Man by G. K. Chesterton.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the great Socrates

**First appearance:** 0009-vi-the-demons-and-the-philosophers

## Who they are

Greek philosopher, discussed in the context of pagan philosophy.

## Relationships

### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_everlasting_man_se/characters/jesus_christ)

_friendship_

Socrates is portrayed as a precursor to Christ, sharing a similar fate of martyrdom for truth.

## In the story

### [Man and Mythologies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_everlasting_man_se/chapters/v-man-and-mythologies)

Mentioned implicitly in the context of philosophy running parallel to mythology until Christendom.

### [III: The Strangest Story in the World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_everlasting_man_se/chapters/iii-the-strangest-story-in-the-world)

Mentioned as a contrast to Christ; Socrates' death is seen as a muddle, while Christ's death is a purposeful sacrifice.

### [The Escape from Paganism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_everlasting_man_se/chapters/v-the-escape-from-paganism)

Socrates is referenced as being killed by the Athenian democracy out of respect for the gods, illustrating the conflict between philosopher and priest.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_everlasting_man_se/characters/socrates
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_everlasting_man_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_everlasting_man_se/characters