The Argument by Lysias

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The Argument by Lysias

Phaedrus is a literary instrument that provides valuable concerns on communication rhetoric which is a culture experiencing changes. The speech by Lysias addresses a sexual relationship between a young boy and an old man. It is presented as an address from the old man to his young lover. The older partner opposes the role of love in their relationship. He argues that a non-lover provides the best conditions and opportunities for those involved in a relationship (Plato and Yunis 30). He views that a non-lover will promote the best interest of his partner despite the surrounding circumstances.

According to Lysias, the non-lover will indulge in pleasurable activities without concerns pertaining to his personal life and businesses (Plato and Yunis 31). This will prevent the partners from neglecting their main responsibilities. Former lovers and admirers are considered important to Lysias. However, having a lover creates hostility among former lovers because of the new engagement. The lover is likely to become jealous which may breed enmity. In addition, when the relationship diminishes, the lover will regret offering favors to his partner. The non-lover has limited sentimental value in the favors and perceives them as business transactions.

Lysias opines that love is limiting towards increasing the options for partners. Creating friendship is easier in a relationship where love is non-existent. Strong feelings of love can exist in the absence of erotic love, which is the case with trustworthy family and friends. Lovers may have difficulty in criticizing their partners contrary to non-lovers. This may lead to bad judgment and poor decision-making. Lovers are also prone to excessive pleasure and emotions such as anger, which compromise long-lasting friendships. Maintaining friendship is considered easier between partners when love is absent.

In conclusion, the speech aims at benefiting both parties in the relationship and prevent the constraints of love. This is important to prevent the demise of their friendship.

Work Cited

Plato, and Harvey Yunis. Phaedrus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print.