In Our Time

Plutarch's Parallel Lives

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Jan 16, 2025
Judith Mossman, a classics expert, Andrew Erskine, specializing in ancient history, and Paul Cartledge, a researcher in Greek culture, delve into the life of Plutarch, the Greek biographer. They explore how Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' shaped perceptions of historical figures by comparing Greeks and Romans through virtues and vices. The conversation highlights Plutarch's influence on Shakespeare, his narrative techniques, and the moral lessons derived from figures like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, illustrating the enduring power of storytelling in history.
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ANECDOTE

Plutarch's Lecture Interruption

  • Plutarch paused his lecture in Rome when a soldier delivered a letter to Arulanus Rusticus.
  • Plutarch refused to continue until the audience dispersed, respecting Rusticus's privacy.
INSIGHT

Plutarch's Pairing Methodology

  • Plutarch pairs lives based on shared themes and experiences, not just chronology.
  • This approach lets him compare how individuals respond to similar situations and make decisions.
INSIGHT

Character Focus

  • Plutarch's Parallel Lives uses anecdotes to reveal character, prioritizing small details over major battles.
  • He shows Alexander's character through a story about bathing in Darius's bath and respecting Darius's family.
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