• Plutarch and Saint Basil as Readers of Greek Literature

    Author(s):
    Jeffrey Beneker (see profile)
    Date:
    2011
    Subject(s):
    Greek literature, Byzantine literature, Plutarch
    Item Type:
    Article
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/1he2-y648
    Abstract:
    Basil’s Address to Young Men on How to Read Greek Literature is often read as an imitation of Plutarch’s How to Study Poetry. Exploring the authors’ connections more generally, I suggest that Basil has relied on Plutarch’s approach in both the Moralia and the Lives to make the central argument of his essay, which is a justification for the reading of pagan literature in a Christian context. Basil follows Plutarch in his moralizing interpretations of historical anecdotes and in turning to Plato’s Republic for philo- sophical support, but he also adapts Plutarch’s approach to fit the social, religious, and political climate of his times.
    Metadata:
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    Published as:
    Journal article     Show details
    Pub. Date:
    2011
    Journal:
    Syllecta Classica
    Volume:
    22
    Page Range:
    95 - 111
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    4 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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