The Tragedy of Great Natures: Exploring Plutarch’s Volume IX
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 Plutarch's Lives, Volume IX: Demetrius and Anto...
Plutarch credits Demetrius for winning his own victories, whereas he notes that many of Antony's greatest triumphs were actually won by his generals in his absence. The Tragedy of Great Natures: Exploring Plutarch’s Volume
Plutarch distinguishes their collapses: Demetrius was deserted by his soldiers, but Antony deserted his soldiers by fleeing during battle. Demetrius is criticized for allowing himself to be
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.
Neither death is praised. Demetrius is criticized for allowing himself to be captured and "tamed like a wild beast" in prison. Antony ’s suicide, while deemed "pitiful and ignoble," is slightly preferred only because it prevented him from falling into enemy hands. Why Plutarch Wrote Them
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".