Plutarch's Lives, Volume Ix: Demetrius And Anto... · Original & Popular

Plutarch’s Parallel Lives , specifically of the Loeb Classical Library edition , presents a fascinating departure from his typical biographical formula. While Plutarch generally highlights virtuous men to inspire imitation, the pairing of Demetrius Poliorcetes and Mark Antony serves as a stark "negative example".

The Tragedy of Great Natures: Exploring Plutarch’s Volume IX Plutarch's Lives, Volume IX: Demetrius and Anto...

Plutarch distinguishes their collapses: Demetrius was deserted by his soldiers, but Antony deserted his soldiers by fleeing during battle. Plutarch’s Parallel Lives , specifically of the Loeb

Demetrius and Antony are framed as mirrors of one another: both were renowned for their military brilliance, immense generosity, and charismatic leadership, yet both were ultimately undone by their own lack of restraint. Demetrius and Antony are framed as mirrors of

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

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.

In the Comparison of Demetrius and Antony that concludes their section, Plutarch makes several biting distinctions: