Lysia’s speech is in form of an imaginary address. An older man is addressing a younger man on the subject of love whereas Socrates’ speech is in form of a story. Socrates narrates the story of a boy in quest for love and relationship but with many male suitors. All his suitors are lovers but one of the lovers claims that he is a non-lover. The idea behind both speeches focuses on the love between a younger man and an older man.
In Greek such relationships existed although not publicly recognized. Such relationships were known as pederasty where
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