Ion

The Greek philosopher Plato wrote “Ion” in approximately 380 BCE. This philosophical dialogue focuses on the relationship between poetry and inspiration. The main character, Socrates, questions a rhapsode named Ion about his ability to interpret the poetry of Homer. This study guide refers to the Paul Woodruff translation of “Ion,” published in 1997 by Hackett Publishing Company.

Ion of Ephesus arrives in Athens from Epidaurus, where he has just attended the festival of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. At the festival, Ion participated in contests to determine who was the greatest rhapsode (a type of poet, actor, singer, and performer). Ion won first prize. Socrates expresses his envy of Ion’s profession. As a rhapsode, Ion wears fine clothes, looks beautiful, and spends his days learning and reciting poetry with other rhapsodes and poets (938). Ion agrees that the profession of a rhapsode is enjoyable and claims no one can recite the poetry of Homer as well as he can.

Socrates distinguishes between memorizing a poem and understanding its meaning. He says that both are necessary to recite a poem properly. When Ion speaks of his ability to interpret Homer, Socrates inquires whether he can interpret other poets as well.