Source
Lampas : Tijdschrift voor Classici, 52, 2, (2019), pp. 152-163ISSN
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor
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Organization
Griekse Taal- en Letterkunde
Klassieke Archeologie
Journal title
Lampas : Tijdschrift voor Classici
Volume
vol. 52
Issue
iss. 2
Languages used
Dutch (dut)
Page start
p. 152
Page end
p. 163
Subject
Europe in a Changing World; Representations of the City; The Ancient WorldAbstract
This article aims to assess the humoristic qualities of Plutarch’s Quaestiones
Convivales. Although ostensibly a serious piece, the Table Talk, an extensive
prose work which treats dozens of subjects suitable for a traditional symposium
in the shape of elaborated Q&A, often suggests that its serious nature is not
always to be taken at face value. Quite a number of subjects appear to be only mock
serious, which yields a colourful sympotic staging where the participants join this
game of tongue-in-cheek seriousness, as depicted by Plutarch, based on his own experiences.
Overall, serious subjects are treated lightly, whereas ludicrous subjects
are given scholarly – often fussy – treatment, with both approaches equally contributing
to an air of funny playfulness. Rather than considering the Quaestiones
Convivales a mere treasure trove for historic or cultural realia, or as a work primarily
reflecting pedagogical or philosophical ideas, it is worthwhile to read the
Table Talk for what it also is: a reflection of humor within its own context.
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- Faculty of Arts [29876]
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