“Vinous babbling”: the symposium in Plutarch’s Table Talk VII, 9 – VIII, Proem (714A – 717A) and Maximus of Tyre’s Oration XXII

Abstract

In his Table-Talk (VII, 714A – VIII, 717A), Plutarch introduces a theme which also occurs in Maximus of Tyre’s Oration XXII ‘On proper entertainment’, viz. the Persian habit to discuss important subjects over wine. Both authors consider this matter in the context of a wider moralphilosophical reflection on the appropriate way of dealing with deliberation, drinking and drunkenness, but each of them comes to a different appreciation, which seems quite indicative for their position throughout their wider oeuvre: whereas Plutarch seems to attribute high value to the custom of the symposium and even uses it as an inspiring setting for his Table Talk, Maximus often associates it with flattery and immoderate drunkenness, which entails a real threat for the virtuous man. By comparing these two authors’ opinion on the symposium, this paper enlarges the understanding of the Plutarchan symposium within its Greek and Roman context, and highlights the philosophically and socially distinctive position of both authors visà- vis their contemporary audience.