Episode 9: Plutarch: Alcibiades and Coriolanus: Great Men to Love and Hate

Hot Takes on the Classics

Description

In this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, exploring the contrasting characters of Alcibiades, the charming yet treacherous Athenian, and Coriolanus, the unyielding Roman general. Through their discussion, the hosts unpack Plutarch’s moral philosophy, the timeless appeal of his storytelling, and the lessons these historical figures offer about pride, betrayal, and human nature. Tim’s hot take challenges our perceptions: Would Alcibiades’ charisma make him more likable than Coriolanus’ rigid pride if we met them in real life?

Show Guide

00:00 Opening Remarks and Episode Overview

01:06 Who Was Plutarch? A Moral Historian

04:18 The Art of Biography: Why Plutarch’s Stories Resonate

06:44 Alcibiades: The Flamboyant Turncoat of Athens

12:36 Coriolanus: The Proud General of Rome

17:18 Comparing Alcibiades and Coriolanus: Virtue, Pride, and Betrayal

20:52 Historical and Modern Parallels: Are We All Alcibiades?

28:12 Tim’s Hot Take: Why We’d Like Alcibiades More in Real Life

31:06 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Topics & Takeaways

• Plutarch’s Moral Vision: Parallel Lives provides more than historical accounts; it offers reflections on the moral and philosophical lessons from the lives of great men.
• Alcibiades’ Charisma and Betrayals: Alcibiades’ charm and adaptability allowed him to switch allegiances—from Athens to Sparta—making him a compelling but controversial figure.
• Coriolanus’ Unyielding Pride: Coriolanus embodied steadfast principles but alienated both allies and enemies with his rigid pride, ultimately leading to his downfall.
• Philosophy Meets Politics: Plutarch’s Middle Platonism and Stoicism inform his portraits of these figures, emphasizing the virtues and flaws of human ambition.
• Tim’s Hot Take: Despite their flaws, Alcibiades’ charisma might win us over in real life, while Coriolanus’ pride would make him insufferable.

Questions & Discussion

• How does Plutarch’s writing style enhance the appeal of Parallel Lives?
  Explore how anecdotes and comparisons bring moral and philosophical lessons to life.
• What makes Alcibiades and Coriolanus compelling historical figures?
  Examine their contrasting leadership styles and how their flaws shaped their legacies.
• How does Plutarch’s philosophical background influence his portrayal of these figures?
  Discuss the role of Middle Platonism and Stoicism in framing the virtues and vices of great leaders.
• Why do modern readers still find Alcibiades and Coriolanus relevant?
  Reflect on the timeless nature of their struggles with pride, betrayal, and ambition.
• Which lessons from Parallel Lives are most applicable to modern leadership?
  Consider how Plutarch’s insights into character and virtue guide today’s leaders.

Suggested Reading

• Parallel Lives by Plutarch
• Shakespeare’s Coriolanus