Bibliography
| Title: Poetry and Music in the Life of Plutarch’s Statesman Secondary Title: The Statesman in Plutarch’s Works: proceedings of the sixth International Conference of the International Plutarch Society, Nijmegen, Castle Herren, May 1–5, 2002. Volume: 1 Pages: 115-123 Type: Book Section Year: 2004 Abstract: Bowie’s paper arises from the contradiction between the role of poetry in Plutarch’s cultural environment--he knows and often cites classical poetry, thinking it appropriate even for a philosopher to draw on poetry; at least one of his friends wrote poetry; and music was important in the religious life in which he participated--and his caution about poetry’s potential to corrupt. In light of this contradiction, Bowie analyzes how Plutarch’s lives present the role of poetry in the life of the statesman. While Plutarch never explicitly states his view of poetry in relation to the statesman, he does express suspicion (especially in the Quomodo adolescens poetas audire debeat) about the lies and bad morals presented in poetry, and proposes that the reader should approach poetry with an awareness of its deceptive character. In the lives, Plutarch mentions instances of good and bad poetry and music, but lets the reader draw broader conclusions. His position seems to be that music is acceptable in appropriate contexts: at symposia and in religious ritual. Poetry is likewise acceptable, but must be approached with caution. Keywords: Plutarch, poetry, music, politics, statesmanship, statecraft, lives, biography |