Theophrastus

The Characters of Theophrastus (eBook, ePUB)

A Translation, with Introduction
Übersetzer: Bennett, Charles E.; Hammond, William A.

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "The Characters of Theophrastus," the esteemed philosopher presents a series of vivid character sketches that serve as an exploration of human behavior and societal norms in ancient Greece. Written in a concise yet engaging style, this work employs irony and subtle humor to reveal the universal qualities of its diverse subjects, ranging from the enthusiastic to the hypocritical. Through these characterizations, Theophrastus not only draws from the rich literary traditions of his time but also lays the groundwork for subsequent literary and psychological exploration of character types. Theophrastus, a pupil of Aristotle, was a significant figure in the peripatetic school and is often hailed as the father of botany. However, his keen observations of human nature in "Characters" showcase his philosophical depth and social awareness. Drawing from his environment, which was steeped in philosophical inquiry and reflective of the complexities of Athenian society, Theophrastus masterfully bridges the gap between philosophical thought and everyday experience. This work is highly recommended for readers interested in the intersections of character study, ethics, and social commentary. It remains a vital text for understanding ancient perspectives on human behavior and will resonate with modern readers seeking to reflect on the timeless nature of society's quirks and moral dilemmas.

---

Dieser Download kann aus rechtlichen Gründen nur mit Rechnungsadresse in A, B, BG, CY, CZ, D, DK, EW, E, FIN, F, GR, H, IRL, I, LT, L, LR, M, NL, PL, P, R, S, SLO, SK ausgeliefert werden.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 172
• Erscheinungstermin: 25. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664619099
• Artikelnr.: 58500054

Autorenporträt

Theophrastus, born around 371 BCE in Eresos, Lesbos, was an ancient Greek philosopher and successor to Aristotle in the Peripatetic school. As a prolific author, he significantly contributed to the disciplines of botany, ethics, physics, and metaphysics, among others. His most celebrated work, 'The Characters of Theophrastus', remains an insightful exploration of human behavior and social types (Theophrastus, 1870). This collection of 30 brief, yet profound, character sketches provides valuable observations of the foibles and virtues observed in everyday life, demonstrating Theophrastus's keen eye for the subtleties of human personality and behavior, thereby cementing his place in the annals of literature as the 'father of character writing' (Fortenbaugh & Gutas, 1992). His writing style in 'The Characters' is marked by its clarity, precision, and use of lexis suitable for capturing the idiosyncrasies of the individuals he describes. Theophrastus's influence extended beyond his own era, with his work being studied and admired during the Renaissance and contributing to the development of character literature in the 17th century. His contributions to various fields and his unique approach to studying human nature through literary sketches have secured Theophrastus a lasting legacy in the pantheon of classical literature (Diggle, 2004).