Parallel Lives

Definition

Parallel Lives is a series of biographies written by Plutarch in the 1st century AD, which pairs prominent Greek and Roman figures to highlight their virtues and vices. This work serves not only as a historical account but also as a moral guide, illustrating how these lives can be compared to draw ethical lessons and insights about human character.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutarch's Parallel Lives consists of 23 pairs of biographies that juxtapose figures such as Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar to demonstrate moral similarities and differences.
2. Each biography is crafted to emphasize moral lessons through storytelling, making them accessible for readers to reflect on ethical behavior.
3. Plutarch aimed to show that while individuals come from different cultures, their life experiences can reveal universal truths about virtue and vice.
4. The work has been influential throughout history, impacting Renaissance humanism and later biographical writing due to its narrative style and moral focus.
5. Plutarch's method involved gathering various historical sources, interviews, and personal anecdotes to construct vivid portrayals of each figure.

Review Questions

• How does Plutarch's approach in Parallel Lives reflect the broader traditions of Greek biographical writing?
  • Plutarch's approach in Parallel Lives mirrors the Greek biographical tradition by emphasizing moral instruction alongside historical narrative. Like earlier writers such as Xenophon, Plutarch combines biography with ethics, allowing readers to extract lessons from the lives of significant figures. His pairing of Greek and Roman personalities further enriches this tradition by showcasing cultural similarities and differences in ethical behavior.
• In what ways does Plutarch's biographical method enhance the understanding of his subjects' characters within Parallel Lives?
  • Plutarch’s biographical method enhances understanding by employing a comparative framework that highlights both similarities and contrasts between paired subjects. By examining their virtues and failings side by side, he creates a narrative that not only informs but also encourages readers to reflect on moral choices. This technique fosters a deeper appreciation of each individual's impact on history while offering timeless insights into human nature.
• Evaluate the significance of moral lessons in Plutarch's portrayal of figures in Parallel Lives, and how this reflects his views on ethics.
  • The significance of moral lessons in Plutarch's portrayal of figures in Parallel Lives lies in his belief that literature should serve a purpose beyond mere storytelling—it should guide ethical thought and behavior. By carefully choosing which aspects of each life to emphasize, Plutarch invites readers to consider the implications of virtue and vice. This reflects his view that understanding historical figures can illuminate pathways to moral excellence or caution against destructive traits, demonstrating his commitment to using biography as a means for ethical reflection.

Related terms

Biographical Narrative: A structured account of an individual's life, focusing on key events, achievements, and personal qualities that define their character.

Moral Philosophy: The study of what constitutes right and wrong behavior, often explored through literature and historical examples to guide ethical decision-making.

Hellenistic Culture: The blend of Greek and Eastern cultural influences that emerged after the conquests of Alexander the Great, significantly shaping literature, philosophy, and art.