Research comparing Greek, Roman and Christian lives.

This assignment asks you to compare Greek,Roman and Christian lives. Plutarch’s Life of Aristides  and his Life of Cato the Elder, and Sulpicius Severus’ Life of Martin of Tours. Plutarch is describing Greek. Roman ideals of excellence through Aristides and Cato. Our Christian writer is describing Christian ideals of excellence through Martin of Tours.  What can these works tell us about the societies they lived in? Religion is such a basic difference that it would best itself to your introduction or conclusion or both. Also, you might take religion as a way to open your discussion. If you do not have to discuss religion as such in any detail, or prove anything with examples.

In the body of your paper research comparing Greek,Roman and Christian lives, you will want to consider the following topics. One, views on family, women, sexuality, and children. Two, materialism which is on wealth and fortune, including slavery, and attitudes towards fame. Three,attitudes towards duty, whether as a soldier and civil servant, or as a believer and witness. Four, education or ‘learning’ on how important it is, and in what tradition? Therefore, there is a basic, three-way comparison you are going to make.  Fundamentally, you are using these works to compare and contrast Plutarch’s worlds of Ancient Greece and of Ancient Rome and of Christianity. In the Late Antique or early Medieval period.  I would suggest that you alternate paragraphs between the Greek view ‘a’. Then Roman view ‘a’. Later, the Christian view of ‘a’ and so on.

Research comparing Greek, Roman and Christian lives.

You could also go through each writer for each point, Aristides, then Cato, then Martin while comparing Greek,Roman and Christian lives. Moreover, you will want to keep an eye out for one complication. At the least in the Life of Cato.  Plutarch describes Cato as a model Roman, and the characteristics that made him unique. In a couple of instances, he does not approve.  What do Plutarch and Cato value differently. A final hint is to remember to be fair to your sources, to analyze them without passing judgment, positively or negatively.

Finally, i suggest fourteen paragraphs comparing the Greek,Roman and Christian lives. Worked through from a careful outline ahead of writing.  This would mean an introduction, four paragraphs each for Aristides, Cato, and Martin, one for each topic, and then a conclusion.  You may choose longer paragraphs, combining some elements, but separate discussions, even if this means some paragraphs are short, can help with clarity.  I do not think covering each source well in less than two pages would be easy, so I am suggesting at least six pages.  On the other hand, concise writing can be strong and effective, and while I will read anything you write, I think complete, comprehensive answers could still easily come in under eight pages.

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