“The Phaedrus”

Reading Phaedrus proved to be difficult for me,I have not read much work written from this time period or style. The actual language was easily understood but the sentence structure was what tripped me up. Sentences went on forever and I had a hard time keeping track of the subject. As I read the work I also had to continually remind myself to read it as a conversation, almost having to switch my voice in my head to keep the two voices separate. To read the piece easily a general knowledge of Plato and his works would be beneficial. To grasp the piece in the context we are looking at I had to keep in mind as the greater audience should that being able to recall speeches verbatim was prestigious and allowed power.

When remarking on the speech Socrates at first claims he does not have the knowledge to do so and that if he were to critique it the wise men before him would look down upon him. Later however, Socrates admits he just thought the speech was bad.

Socrates has a very clear way he believes that memory is formed and recalled. He has the ability to recall speeches perfectly and believes this is a valuable skill as he uses the speeches he has memorized to critique others. In this way I find the way you look at memory and the way Socrates looks at memory very similar. Reading several texts and gaining knowledge. Socrates also believes that by witnessing the speech first hand or hearing it from another will further sustain the memory. However, "your" ideas of memory differ in that by writing a written response you formulate opinions about the texts content and critique structure as well as using it as another concrete way to remember texts. This idea that writing something is a tangible way to remember content.

Stalking with Stories

In Basso's chapter "Stalking with Stories" he wants us to connect with the Apache people understanding somewhat their unique ability to recall information. Basso wants to make clear that they have no written documentation of stories or place names but the constant repetition and pride they take in these names is what makes them stick in their brain. Basso also states clearly that when naming places each name is really several words to form a statement, this giving it a more powerful name. When recalling stories there are several categories stories fall in to this making them more complicated. The two main differences are Apache myth, a more dramatic stylized story and a narrative historical story.


The Apache have a great asset in being able to maintain their stories and culture through spoken word. Generally these stories stay accurate over time. I appreciate that their stories are a concrete part of their culture. Stories are used to pass down knowledge but to also uphold moral code. They have stories that speak to inappropriate sexual conduct and expectations as a young adult.

Anyone can make a story, but the subject of the story according to the Apache is always aware. If someone sees the way you are acting positive or negative they can "stalk you" or watch you closely and use what you are doing to make a story chronically events in your life and your actions. After the story is told it finds you, if it is negative it goes into your mind and shows you what you have been doing. At this point it can make you feel ill and effect you until you change.

ethical representation

click here