Plutarch's Lives

Definition

Plutarch's Lives is a series of biographies of notable Greek and Roman figures written by the Greek philosopher and historian Plutarch in the 1st century AD. This work is important for understanding how Renaissance writers, including Shakespeare, were influenced by classical texts, particularly in their exploration of themes like heroism, morality, and the complexities of human character.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutarch's Lives has been influential in shaping literary forms, particularly in the development of the biographical genre.
2. Shakespeare drew on Plutarch's Lives for characters and themes in several plays, notably 'Julius Caesar' and 'Antony and Cleopatra.'
3. The work contrasts various leaders' virtues and vices, providing moral reflections that would resonate with audiences during Shakespeare's time.
4. Plutarch's writing style combines narrative history with philosophical insight, making his biographies engaging and thought-provoking.
5. The emphasis on ethical considerations in Plutarch’s Lives aligns with Shakespeare’s exploration of morality and ambition in his characters.

Review Questions

• How does Plutarch's Lives contribute to our understanding of Shakespeare's character development?
  • Plutarch's Lives provides a rich source of historical context and character analysis that Shakespeare utilized to develop his own characters. The moral lessons embedded in Plutarch's biographies helped inform Shakespeare’s portrayal of ambition, power struggles, and human flaws. By drawing from these classical figures, Shakespeare was able to create complex characters who reflect the same moral dilemmas faced by the historical figures in Plutarch's work.
• Discuss the significance of the parallels drawn in Plutarch's Lives between Greek and Roman figures and how this reflects Renaissance ideals.
  • The parallels drawn in Plutarch's Lives showcase the interconnectedness of Greek and Roman cultures, emphasizing shared virtues and moral lessons. This reflects Renaissance ideals by demonstrating the value placed on classical knowledge and its relevance to contemporary society. The ability to compare figures from different backgrounds allowed writers like Shakespeare to explore universal themes of humanity, making ancient stories applicable to modern audiences.
• Evaluate how Shakespeare’s adaptation of characters from Plutarch’s Lives impacts the audience's perception of historical events.
  • Shakespeare’s adaptation of characters from Plutarch’s Lives transforms historical events into dramatic narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. By focusing on individual motivations, ethical dilemmas, and emotional conflicts, he elevates the importance of personal choice amidst larger historical forces. This approach not only entertains but also encourages audiences to reflect on the implications of ambition, power, and morality as portrayed through these historical figures, ultimately shaping their understanding of both history and human nature.

Related terms

Parallel Lives: A collection within Plutarch's Lives where he pairs Greek and Roman figures to draw moral lessons and highlight their similarities and differences.

Renaissance Humanism:

A cultural movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the study of classical texts, fostering a renewed interest in human values, literature, and history.

Character Study: An analysis of a character's personality traits, motivations, and moral complexities, often used in literature to create relatable and dynamic characters.