In the Comparison of Demetrius and Antony that concludes their section, Plutarch makes several biting distinctions:
A Greek king of the Hellenistic period known for his innovative siege engines and erratic brilliance. Plutarch highlights his loyalty to his father, Antigonus, and his early humanity, but ultimately records a life spiraling into indolence and wine. Plutarch's Lives, Volume IX: Demetrius and Anto...
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 In the Comparison of Demetrius and Antony that
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 Demetrius is criticized for allowing himself to be
The Tragedy of Great Natures: Exploring Plutarch’s Volume IX
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.
Through these two lives, Plutarch illustrates the Platonic concept that "great natures produce great vices as well as virtues". A Study in Excess and Self-Destruction
