Summary of "Plutarch's Parallel Lives" Episode on BBC Radio 4's In Our Time

Introduction In the January 16, 2025 episode of In Our Time, hosted by Melvyn Bragg, the discussion centers on Plutarch's seminal work, Parallel Lives. Joined by experts Julius Mossman (Professor Emeritus of Classics at Coventry University), Andrew Erskine (Professor of Ancient History at the University of Edinburgh), and Paul Cartledge (Senior Research Fellow at Clare College, University of Cambridge), the episode delves into the life of Plutarch, the structure and purpose of his biographies, and their enduring influence on literature and historiography.

Plutarch’s Early Life and Context Paul Cartledge opens the discussion by exploring Plutarch’s origins. Born in the 40s AD in Chaeronea, a small town in the Roman province of Achaea, Plutarch navigated the complexities of a Greek identity under Roman rule. He became an Athenian citizen and a priest in Delphi, reflecting his deep religious devotion despite his Roman affiliations.

“[...] he had reservations about Roman culture but was deeply integrated into the Greco-Roman intellectual world.” (02:42)

Navigating Roman and Greek Worlds Plutarch's ability to balance his Greek heritage with his Roman connections is highlighted. Julius Mossman recounts Plutarch's diplomatic missions to Asia Minor, Alexandria, and Rome, emphasizing his role not just as a statesman but as an educator and philosopher.

“Plutarch didn't just do his diplomatic business; he also gave lectures and tutorials in philosophy.” (04:33)

A poignant moment described by Mossman involves Plutarch witnessing a potential execution ordered by Emperor Domitian. His composed reaction showcased his dignity and perhaps influenced his preference for living in the relative safety of Achaea over the volatile environment of Rome.

“He refused to break the seal of the letter until after his lecture, earning admiration for his dignity.” (05:56)

The Structure of Parallel Lives Andrew Erskine and Melvyn Bragg discuss the unique pairing in Parallel Lives, where Plutarch juxtaposes a Greek figure with a Roman counterpart based on shared virtues or vices rather than chronological or geographical similarities. This method allows for moral and character analysis rather than mere historical recounting.

“He tries to take themes, so something which he sees as a common theme, ambition, frugality, even control of passions.” (09:10)

Melvyn Bragg provides examples, such as pairing Lysander, the Spartan commander, with Sulla, the Roman dictator. This approach underscores Plutarch’s intent to explore how different individuals respond to similar circumstances.

Purpose and Reception Plutarch’s intention behind writing Parallel Lives was not solely to document history but to extract moral lessons from the lives of great men. The biographies serve an educational purpose, illustrating both exemplary and reprehensible behavior.

“He is interested in exploring the moral character of the figures that he's writing about. And he wants people to learn from this.” (10:45)

Paul Cartledge emphasizes that Plutarch's work was innovative, effectively creating a new literary genre that influenced subsequent writers, including Shakespeare.

Influence on Literature and Thought A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Parallel Lives' impact on literature, particularly its influence on Shakespeare. Julius Mossman elucidates how Shakespeare drew directly from Plutarch’s biographies, especially in plays like Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus.

“Shakespeare will have accessed Plutarch by the translation of Thomas North, which was published first in 1579.” (31:31)

Melvyn Bragg highlights specific scenes in Plutarch that inspired Shakespearean drama, such as Caesar’s encounter with pirates and Antony’s despair, both of which Shakespeare adapted to enhance character depth and narrative tension.

Critical Analysis of Plutarch’s Pairings Paul Cartledge provides a critical perspective on Plutarch's pairing choices, noting that not all comparisons are equally effective. For instance, the pairing of Pericles with Quintus Fabius Maximus lacks direct parallels, making it a less compelling comparison compared to others like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar.

“Pericles, Fabius... it's a pretty poor choice of comparison.” (25:03)

Despite occasional mismatches, the overall method allows for nuanced character studies and highlights the complexities of leadership and personal virtue.

Plutarch’s Moral Philosophy and Historiography The discussion delves into Plutarch's philosophical leanings, particularly his preference for Platonism and his critiques of Stoicism and Epicureanism. Paul Cartledge explains how Plutarch utilized biography to convey moral lessons, differentiating his approach from that of traditional historians like Herodotus and Thucydides.

“Plutarch is a very moral writer, not moralistic, but truly wanting to use the examples from history to teach virtue.” (26:36)

Julius Mossman adds that Plutarch's biographies allow for a more personal and character-driven exploration of history, contrasting with the broader, event-focused narratives of his predecessors.

Legacy and Enduring Relevance The experts agree that Plutarch’s Parallel Lives has maintained its influence over the centuries, shaping not only literary traditions but also philosophical and political thought. Paul Cartledge notes that Plutarch's work was highly regarded throughout the Middle Ages and continues to inspire modern scholarship and literature.

“He has had a big, big influence on politics, on political writing, on thought, on drama and on English biography as well.” (38:37)

Julius Mossman underscores the unique nature of Plutarch’s parallelism, a technique seldom replicated in later biographies, solidifying its place in literary history.

Conclusion The episode concludes by reaffirming Plutarch's significance as a pioneer of biographical writing and his enduring legacy in shaping our understanding of classical figures. His work not only provided a template for future biographers but also offered timeless insights into leadership, morality, and human character.

Notable Quotes:

1. Paul Cartledge on Plutarch's Roman-Greek integration:

   “He had reservations about Roman culture but was deeply integrated into the Greco-Roman intellectual world.” (02:42)

2. Julius Mossman on Plutarch's philosophical role in Rome:

   “Plutarch didn't just do his diplomatic business; he also gave lectures and tutorials in philosophy.” (04:33)

3. Melvyn Bragg on Plutarch's narrative style:

   “He shows us how complex these figures are. So it's not a straightforward kind of thing.” (30:01)

4. Julius Mossman on Shakespeare's adaptation of Plutarch:

   “Shakespeare will have accessed Plutarch by the translation of Thomas North... He clearly read it very closely.” (31:31)

5. Paul Cartledge on the uniqueness of Plutarch's genre:

   “He is one of those few people who invent an entire genre of literature.” (18:30)

Key Takeaways:

• Plutarch’s Parallel Lives pairs Greek and Roman figures based on shared moral and personal traits rather than chronological or geographical proximity.
• His biographies served educational purposes, illustrating virtues and vices to guide readers morally.
• The work significantly influenced literature, notably Shakespeare, and established a new genre of biographical writing.
• Plutarch balanced his Greek identity with Roman influences, reflecting the cultural dynamics of his time.
• While innovative, not all of Plutarch’s pairings were equally effective, but the overall impact of his method endures.

For Further Reading: Listeners are encouraged to explore Plutarch's Parallel Lives to appreciate the depth and nuance of his character studies and their influence on Western literature and thought.