HESIODIC INFLUENCE ON PLATO'S MYTH OF THE CICADAS

This paper argues that Plato's Myth of the Cicadas from the Phaedrus (258e-259d) alludes to Hesiod's Myth of the Golden Race (Op. 109-126). Among other parallels, Hesiod's Golden Race and Plato's Cicadas are comparable with respect to the manners of their diets, deaths and rapports with the gods. The paper points both to the similarities and the poignant differences between the Golden Race and the Cicadas, drawing attention to Plato's vision of the Golden Age, which, unlike Hesiod's, featured dangers and ambiguities, as symbolized by the Cicadas, who are able to punish or reward humans, depending on their behavior.