In Phaedrus, Socrates and Phaedrus delve into the argument of the lover versus the nonlover. Therefore, I thought it would be of interest to examine the strategic location Socrates chooses for the location of their discussion. While the dialogue reads as an instruction between teacher and student as Socrates aids Phaedrus in learning the keys to a good argument, the location seems incongruous with the concept of a classroom. However, when taken into account with the topic they are discussing, Socrates’ location provides the perfect background for a discourse on love.

Socrates’ selection of the location cannot be considered accidental. In Phaedrus’ first moments of conversation with Socrates, he explains that Lysias has told him that walking on the open roads is “more invigorating than walking in the colonnades” (227a). The two enter into a brief discussion of Phaedrus’ sedentary morning and his discussion with Lysias. Just after Phaedrus tells Socrates of the topic, Socrates recommends they walk the Ilissus and find a quiet spot. Socrates’ states that the stream is “delightful at this hour of a summer’s day” (229b). At this point, though it appears that Socrates is only choosing a place of solitude for their discussion; a serene location for a master to hear his student’s speech about love.

However, as Socrates continues to expound on the location, his choice becomes apparent. Socrates is enthusiastic about the choice of location and considers it a “delightful resting place with this tall, spreading plane, and a lovely shade from the high branches of the agnos.”(230b). The location still appears just serene, but as Socrates continues with his discourse on the location:

Now that it’s in full flower it will make the place ever so fragrant…And then too, isn’t the freshness of the air most welcome and pleasant and the shrill summery music of the cicada choir! And as crowning delight the grass, thick enough on a gentle slope to rest your head on most comfortably” (230c)

Fragrance is generally associated with the allure of love. Additionally, the cicada choir adds music and ambiance to the discussion. Now, Socrates has not only chosen a place of beauty physically, but a location that has the ambiance one would expect a couple of young lovers would seek out for an afternoon tryst. Socrates already knows that Phaedrus will be reading Lysias’ discourse on love and has now taken the young man to a location reflective of this topic. Could Socrates have chosen this location as a place only to hear the discourse; he does discuss resting on the grass. However, could he not also be intending to set the mood for the discourse itself. What better place to discuss the topic of love than in a location where the environment places one in the mindset for love?