Plutarch's Lives, Volume Ix: Demetrius And Anto... May 2026

The Tragedy of Great Natures: Exploring Plutarch’s Volume IX

In the Comparison of Demetrius and Antony that concludes their section, Plutarch makes several biting distinctions: Plutarch's Lives, Volume IX: Demetrius and Anto...

The inclusion of these "blameworthy" lives is a deliberate educational tool. Plutarch argues that just as young flute players are shown both good and bad performers to learn distinction, readers are more eager to imitate the good when they see the disastrous consequences of the bad. The Tragedy of Great Natures: Exploring Plutarch’s Volume

A powerful Roman general whose life was defined by his relationship with Cleopatra. Plutarch portrays him as a man of great potential who squandered "the most costly outlay"—time—on luxury and diversion. The Point of Comparison: Synkrisis Plutarch's Lives, Volume IX: Demetrius and Anto...