Plutarch

Definition

Plutarch was a Greek biographer and philosopher known for his work 'Parallel Lives', which compares the lives of notable Greeks and Romans. His contributions significantly shaped Greek biographical traditions and influenced the way biographies were written in the ancient world, impacting both historical narrative and moral philosophy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutarch lived from approximately 46 to 120 CE, during a time when the Roman Empire was expanding, and his works reflect a blend of Greek and Roman cultural influences.
2. His writing style in 'Parallel Lives' combines narrative storytelling with philosophical insights, making it both engaging and educational for readers.
3. Plutarch emphasized moral character in his portrayals, often exploring how virtues or vices shaped the destinies of his subjects, thus merging biography with ethics.
4. He utilized various sources for his biographies, including earlier historical texts, public records, and personal anecdotes from witnesses, enhancing the credibility of his accounts.
5. The impact of Plutarch's work is seen in later biographical writing and portraiture, influencing Renaissance thinkers and artists who sought to emulate his approach to character study.

Review Questions

• How did Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' contribute to the development of Greek biographical traditions?
  • Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' was pivotal in advancing Greek biographical traditions by establishing a format that combined detailed personal accounts with moral comparison. By juxtaposing Greek and Roman figures, he provided readers with not only biographical information but also ethical insights that encouraged reflection on character. This method set a precedent for future biographies, emphasizing the importance of moral lessons derived from individual lives.
• In what ways did Plutarch's approach to biography incorporate moral philosophy, and how did this shape his portrayal of historical figures?
  • Plutarch's approach to biography was deeply intertwined with moral philosophy, as he used his subjects' lives to illustrate ethical principles. He often highlighted virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice, contrasting them with vices like greed or arrogance. This focus on morality not only made his portrayals richer but also provided readers with valuable life lessons, shaping their understanding of historical figures not just as leaders but as moral exemplars.
• Evaluate Plutarch's legacy in relation to ancient portraiture and biography in later periods. How did his work influence subsequent generations?
  • Plutarch's legacy is profound in shaping both ancient portraiture and biography during later periods. His method of character analysis influenced Renaissance humanists who sought to draw moral lessons from classical figures. Artists and writers emulated Plutarch's emphasis on virtue in their own depictions, leading to a renewed interest in portraying historical figures with depth and complexity. This established a tradition where biography became a vehicle for ethical instruction, resonating through the centuries into modern biographical writing.

Related terms

Parallel Lives: A series of biographies by Plutarch that pairs notable Greek and Roman figures to highlight their virtues and vices, facilitating moral lessons through comparative analysis.

Moral Philosophy: A branch of philosophy concerned with ethics, which Plutarch integrated into his biographies to emphasize moral lessons and the ethical dimensions of his subjects' lives.

Bioi: Greek term for 'lives', often used to refer to the biographical works of authors like Plutarch, focusing on the character and achievements of individuals.