A Statesman of Many Resources: Plutarch on Solonâs Use of Myth and Theatricality for Political Purposes

Delfim LeÃ£o

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Chapter 3 A Statesman of Many Resources: Plutarch on Solonâs Use of Myth and Theatricality for Political Purposes

In: A Man of Many Interests: Plutarch on Religion, Myth, and Magic

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Delfim LeÃ£o

Delfim LeÃ£o
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 41â58

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004404472_004

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Abstract

Throughout the biography of Solon, Plutarch presents this paradigmatic statesman intervening at different times in the Athenian political scene, quite often in a setting of strong social and political tension. Although this backdrop would normally constitute a serious obstacle, Solon managed to control the difficulties and turn the situation in his favor. This is the case when he found a way to conform to legal impediments and to urge his fellow citizens to regain their own self-esteem, by exhibiting a feigned mania while performing in public the elegy for Salamis. He is also said to have used myth and Homeric poetry as means to reinforce the Athenian claim to the possession of the island. This ingenious character of Solon can also be perceived in the name given to his first emblematic reform (which was literally termed as the âshaking off of burdensââseisachtheia), and in the theatrical and strongly symbolic way he opposed the installation of Peisistratusâ tyranny.

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A Man of Many Interests: Plutarch on Religion, Myth, and Magic

Series:Â Brill's Plutarch Studies, Volume: 2

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004404472

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 27 Jun 2019

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Chapter 3 A Statesman of Many Resources: Plutarch on Solonâs Use of Myth and Theatricality for Political Purposes

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A Man of Many Interests: Plutarch on Religion, Myth, and Magic

Essays in Honor of Aurelio PÃ©rez JimÃ©nez

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Chapter 3 A Statesman of Many Resources: Plutarch on Solonâs Use of Myth and Theatricality for Political Purposes