Plutarch's Parallel Lives

Definition

Plutarch's Parallel Lives is a series of biographies written by the Greek historian Plutarch, comparing the lives of notable Greeks and Romans to highlight their moral virtues and shortcomings. This work serves as a vital source for understanding Roman history, culture, and ethics, reflecting on the significance of character in shaping historical events and figures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutarch's Parallel Lives consists of 23 pairs of biographies, each pairing a Greek figure with a Roman counterpart to draw moral lessons from their lives.
2. Written in the late 1st century to early 2nd century CE, this work remains one of the most important sources for both Greek and Roman history.
3. Plutarch aimed to provide readers not only with facts about these historical figures but also with insights into their moral character and ethical dilemmas.
4. His biographies were influential in shaping Renaissance thought, as they inspired humanists to study classical texts and explore individual virtue.
5. The work is often credited with influencing later historical writings and providing a model for biographical writing through its focus on character and morality.

Review Questions

• How did Plutarch's approach to biography differ from other historical narratives of his time?
  • Plutarch's approach focused on moral character and ethical lessons drawn from the lives of his subjects rather than merely chronicling events. This method contrasted with other historians who often prioritized political or military achievements. By comparing Greek and Roman figures, Plutarch aimed to illustrate universal truths about human behavior, making his work more reflective and philosophically engaging than many contemporaneous accounts.
• Discuss the impact of Plutarch's Parallel Lives on Renaissance humanism and its emphasis on individual virtue.
  • During the Renaissance, Plutarch's Parallel Lives played a crucial role in the revival of classical literature and thought. Humanists drew inspiration from Plutarch’s exploration of character, promoting the idea that individuals could shape their destinies through virtue. His comparisons encouraged readers to reflect on moral choices and personal integrity, influencing education and philosophy during this transformative period.
• Evaluate the relevance of Plutarch's Parallel Lives in modern historiography, particularly in how historians view the relationship between character and historical events.
  • Plutarch's Parallel Lives remains relevant in modern historiography as it raises important questions about the role of individual agency in historical processes. By emphasizing character traits as key factors in shaping historical outcomes, Plutarch's work invites contemporary historians to consider how personal decisions impact broader societal events. This perspective continues to resonate today, as scholars analyze the interplay between individual actions and larger historical narratives.

Related terms

Biographies: Written accounts of someone's life that provide insights into their experiences, character, and contributions, often used as historical sources.

Moral Philosophy: A branch of philosophy that examines ethical principles and moral values, which Plutarch emphasized in his comparisons of historical figures.

Historiography: The study of historical writing and the methods used by historians, including how sources are analyzed and interpreted.