Plutarch and Pericles

  Plutarch observes Pericles’ leadership in a very critical light. Which is not to mean that he thinks lowly of the man, in fact it is made quite obvious at times that Plutarch has enormous respect for Pericles. One such example of this is from Plutarch’s ‘Life of Pericles’, in which he describes the other man, saying that Plutarch “entertained extraordinary esteem and admiration… a composure of countenance, and a serenity and calmness in all his movements”. In the same work, however, Plutarch cites others who described the man in negative terms. Most notably, the poet Ion, who said that Pericles has “a presumptuous and somewhat arrogant manner of address” and that he possessed a “great deal of disdain and contempt for others”. Similarly, another man named Zero, who Plutarch also mentions, describes Perciles’ austerity as “a mere thirst for reputation, and swollen conceit”. These kinds of inclusions would suggest that Plutarch viewed Pericles negatively, a direct contrast to Plutar...

"Golden Age of Pericles" - Lasted from around 470 to 300 BCE.  “Not membership of a particular class, but the ability which the man processes.” Pericles says that in society, your class does not matter, what matters is how you contribute to democracy.  Sentiment reflected in “everyone is equal before the law" and “power is in the hands not of a minority but of the whole of the people.”  Brought in basic principles of democracy, citizenship, and brought the arts and architecture into new heights. Pericles reestablished literature, philosophy, and religion by seeing to the reconstruction of the Parthenon and the Acropolis it sits on. Through his support of the Arts, tragic dramas would reach the culmination of popularity and appeal to mass audiences, also maintained the tradition in which theatre served as moral and intellectual education for the people, depicting legends, wars and real-life events. Bias of Ancient Sources: During the rule of Perikles, Athens offered p...

Use a quote to describe one positive quality possessed by Pericles (according to Plutarch) - "For this man, Pericles entertained an extraordinary esteem and admiration, and, filling himself with this lofty, and, as they call it, up-in-the-air sort of thought, derived hence not merely, as was natural, elevation of purpose and dignity of language, raised far above the base and dishonest buffooneries of mob-eloquence, but, besides this, a composure of countenance, and a serenity and calmness in all his movements, which no occurrence whilst he was speaking could disturb, a sustained and even tone of voice, and various other advantages of a similar kind, which produced the greatest effect on his hearers." Plutarch could not dispute the fact that Pericles was an especially strong orator, and had a profound and unshakeable quality to his speeches, which had strong effects on his listeners. Use a quote to describe one negative quality possessed by Pericles (according to Plutarch) - A...

Just some basic notes on Pericles (thought it might be helpful): Pericles’ father: Xanthippus, defeated King of Persia’s generals at Mycale Mother: Agariste, grandchild of Cleisthenes, responsible for expelling Athens’ last tyrants Known for oratory skill, Pericles devoted most of his early political career to befriending the common man, as he was born an aristocrat and feared ostracism from those who would fear him as a power-seeker. Things Pericles did: - Sent out legions of men on nautical expeditions to improve their skills, found colonies (and thereby make Athens look good to her enemies), and rid Athens of idle men. - Public works – Pericles’ enemies accused him of unrightfully removing the treasury from Delos and misusing the other cities’ donations in order to further their own prosperity. (He definitely did do that. Quite obviously. And then went above and beyond to keep them in check, as in, by force.)  - Pericles responded: the other cities have nothing to whine abo...

  What opinion does Plutarch offer of Pericles’ leadership? Is it positive or negative? Pericles provides an opinion that acknowledges Pericles as an effective leader, but one who often led Athens in ways that were against its long term interests. The theme of Pericles as a demagogue is emphasised in source 7A.40 where in the last of demagogues Pericles is described as “The very head of those below hast thou now brought.” meaning he is the worst of the demagogues Use a quote to describe one positive quality possessed by Pericles (according to Plutarch) “he struck the high and clear note of an aristocratic and kingly statesmanship, and employing it for the best interests of all in a direct and undeviating fashion” indicating that Pericles did make good decisions, but these were when he was behaving in an aristocratic manner Use a quote to describe one negative quality possessed by Pericles (according to Plutarch) “The poet Ion … says that pericles had a presumptuous and somewhat arr...