Synkrisis

Definition

Synkrisis is a rhetorical term referring to the comparison of two or more subjects, often used in biographical contexts to highlight similarities and differences. This technique allows writers to draw moral lessons and provide insight into character by juxtaposing figures, thereby enhancing understanding of their virtues and vices. In the realm of biography, especially in ancient texts, synkrisis plays a critical role in shaping perceptions of historical figures through their relationships and contrasts with others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Synkrisis is a foundational technique in Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives', where he pairs lives to showcase moral and ethical lessons through comparison.
2. This rhetorical device not only emphasizes contrasting traits between figures but also aims to elevate the reader's understanding of virtue.
3. Plutarch utilized synkrisis to not just inform but also persuade his audience about the moral implications of the lives he portrayed.
4. The effectiveness of synkrisis is seen in how it engages readers by presenting relatable themes through familiar historical figures.
5. Through synkrisis, ancient biographers like Plutarch contributed significantly to the development of literary criticism and ethical reasoning in their works.

Review Questions

• How does synkrisis enhance the understanding of character in Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives'?
  • Synkrisis enhances the understanding of character in 'Parallel Lives' by allowing Plutarch to juxtapose the lives of Greek and Roman figures. By comparing their actions, virtues, and vices, readers can see clear moral lessons emerge from these contrasts. This method not only deepens the characterization but also encourages readers to reflect on the implications of these comparisons in their own lives.
• What role does synkrisis play in shaping moral lessons within Greek biographical traditions?
  • Synkrisis plays a crucial role in shaping moral lessons within Greek biographical traditions by providing a framework for evaluating character through comparison. It allows biographers to highlight not only the achievements and failures of individuals but also the societal values that inform those judgments. This comparative method reinforces ethical considerations and illustrates how one figure's life can serve as a cautionary tale or an exemplar for another.
• Evaluate the impact of synkrisis on our interpretation of historical figures compared in ancient biographies. How does it influence modern perceptions?
  • The impact of synkrisis on our interpretation of historical figures is significant as it encourages readers to view these individuals within a broader moral landscape. By analyzing contrasting lives, we can discern patterns of behavior and ethical dilemmas that resonate across time. This technique influences modern perceptions by framing historical narratives in ways that continue to provoke thought about virtue and morality, allowing contemporary audiences to draw parallels between past and present ethical challenges.

Related terms

Parallel Lives: A series of biographies written by Plutarch that pairs notable Greek and Roman figures to compare their lives and virtues.

Biographical Method: The approach used by biographers to collect, analyze, and present information about a person's life, focusing on key events, character traits, and their context.

Characterization: The process of conveying the personality, traits, and motivations of a character, which is often highlighted through comparisons in biographical writing.