When Alcander witnessed Lycurgus' moderation, wisdom, and industry close-up, he became one of the leading Spartan citizens and a devotee of Lycurgus. The other Spartans expected him to be tortured and killed. Alcander was then handed over to Lycurgus to be punished as he pleased. Alcander was a hot-headed young Spartan who blinded Lycurgus in one eye to protest the introduction of common meals, designed to prevent showing off and gluttony. Lycurgus was the leader and father of early Sparta. What does the modern reader do when confronted with a maxim that says, 'Man is neither by birth nor disposition a savage … but only becomes so by indulging in vices…' or an excerpt, like the one below on Fabius, that disdains 'womanish lamentations'? With guidance, students can learn to peel back modern meanings and see that Plutarch's messages and morals forcefully condemn all forms of debauchery and weakness. In teaching with Plutarch, one central question is this: What qualities did Plutarch look for in a leader? Another key question arises from the language itself, since many translations of Plutarch were done over 100 years ago. Dozens more can easily be found online see, for example, the quotations searches at Throughout his writing, Plutarch contemplates character and manners, good and bad, particularly in those who rule and govern.

Five maxims appear near the end of the ' Teaching Plutarch in the Age of Hollywood' several more are provided below the excerpts. Punchy and debatable, maxims hint at the character issues that Plutarch raises throughout the Lives. You may find that students need a 'warm-up' exercise before they dive into an excerpt in that case, maxims are a great place to start. The excerpts below could be incorporated into a variety of history, literature, or even current events classes. But it is still possible-and worthwhile-to introduce students to Plutarch though excerpts from the Lives. For high school students, the language is difficult and the references obscure. Let me be the first to admit that teaching with Plutarch is a challenge. AFT resources for organizing and back to school programs.Safe and welcoming public schools for all.DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

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Plutarch life of antony