# The Myths of Plato explained — Dialogues

> Chapter companion for Dialogues by Plato.

## What happens

This chapter surveys the major myths and parables in Plato's dialogues, including the four longer myths in the Phaedrus, Phaedo, Gorgias, and Republic, as well as other fables and continuous images. It discusses their literary and philosophical significance, their treatment of the soul's immortality, the state of innocence, and the contrast between divine and human government, emphasizing Plato's unique ability to blend poetry, conversation, and abstract thought.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Soul and Immortality

The chapter extensively discusses myths about the soul's immortality, eternity, and its destiny in a future life, particularly in the Phaedrus, Phaedo, Gorgias, and Republic.

### Knowledge and Ignorance

The parable of the Cave and the myth of the soul's vision of truth before birth highlight the contrast between knowledge and ignorance.

## Character check-ins

### Socrates

Socrates is the central figure in many of the myths discussed, including his recantation speech in the Phaedrus and his role in the Republic.

### Protarchus

Protarchus is mentioned in the context of the Philebus dialogue, which discusses pleasure and knowledge.

### Protagoras

Protagoras narrates the tale of Prometheus and Epimetheus in the dialogue named after him.

### Aristophanes

Aristophanes is the source of the myth about the division of the sexes in the Symposium.

## Key lines

> The myths of Plato are a phenomenon unique in literature.

Plato's myths are a distinctive literary achievement.

_This opening statement sets the tone for the chapter's exploration of Plato's mythological narratives._

> The soul of man has followed the company of some god, and seen truth in the form of the universal before it was born in this world.

Before birth, the human soul accompanied a god and beheld universal truth.

_This summarizes the Phaedrus myth about the soul's pre-existence and its vision of the Forms._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se/chapters/the-myths-of-plato
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_se/chapters