Plutarch’s techne rhetorike for the symposium in Quaest iones Convivales: the importance of speaking well to cultivate friendship

Abstract

This paper discusses the advice on rhetorical matters that Plutarch gives in the Quaestiones Convivales to stress the importance of good conversational skills in establishing fruitful relationships with other people during after-dinner table talk. Reflecting the association between education and the symposiac context under the Roman Empire, Plutarch suggests procedures for choosing and discussing the best themes for conversation, and for interacting in an appropriate manner with the other guests. Rhetoric thus takes up a central position in situations in which friendships may be made or strengthened.