Comparison

Definition

Comparison is the act of evaluating two or more subjects to highlight similarities and differences. In moral and ethical contexts, such as those found in biographical writings, it helps readers understand the values and decisions of individuals by juxtaposing their actions, principles, and impacts against each other.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutarch often used comparison to draw moral lessons from historical figures, making it easier for readers to understand complex ethical dilemmas.
2. By comparing prominent figures, Plutarch highlighted both their virtues and vices, allowing readers to reflect on the consequences of their actions.
3. Comparison in Plutarch's work often serves to promote civic virtue and ethical behavior by showcasing exemplary lives.
4. The method of comparison was not only about contrasting characters but also about revealing deeper truths about human nature and morality.
5. This technique engages readers in a dialogue about ethics, prompting them to consider how they might apply these lessons in their own lives.

Review Questions

• How does Plutarch utilize comparison to convey moral lessons in his biographies?
  • Plutarch employs comparison as a key tool to convey moral lessons by placing historical figures side by side, allowing readers to easily see their virtues and flaws. This method emphasizes the ethical implications of their actions, encouraging readers to reflect on what constitutes a good life. By showcasing contrasting behaviors, he drives home the importance of ethical choices and civic responsibility.
• In what ways does the practice of comparison reveal deeper insights into human nature and morality in Plutarch's work?
  • The practice of comparison in Plutarch's biographies reveals deeper insights into human nature and morality by highlighting the complexities of character. By juxtaposing individuals with varying ethical standings, Plutarch illuminates universal themes of ambition, virtue, and vice. This approach fosters an understanding that moral choices are often intertwined with personal circumstances, allowing readers to ponder the broader implications for their own lives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Plutarch's comparative method in shaping the reader's understanding of ethics through historical figures.
  • Plutarch's comparative method is highly effective in shaping the reader's understanding of ethics because it contextualizes individual actions within a broader historical narrative. By aligning characters with similar circumstances yet differing outcomes, he encourages readers to analyze not just the events themselves but also the motivations behind them. This layered approach fosters critical thinking about moral dilemmas, ultimately guiding readers toward a richer comprehension of ethical principles that transcend time.

Related terms

Juxtaposition: The placement of two or more elements side by side to emphasize their contrasting qualities.

Ethical Evaluation: The process of assessing actions or characters based on moral principles and values.

Character Analysis:

A method of studying a character’s traits, motivations, and ethical standings within their narrative.