Theophrastus

eBook, ePUB

The Characters of Theophrastus (eBook, ePUB)

Beschreibung

In 'The Characters of Theophrastus,' the author presents a keen examination of human behavior through a collection of thirty brief character sketches, each one a vivid portrayal of different personality types observed in Athenian society. Written in a concise and witty style, this work reflects the moral and philosophical concerns of ancient Greek life, offering insights into social dynamics that remain relevant today. Theophrastus skillfully employs humor and satire, effectively highlighting the foibles and virtues of his subjects in a manner that resonates with the reader, inviting contemplation over the nature of character itself. Theophrastus (c. 371 - c. 287 BCE), a student of Aristotle and a prominent figure in the Peripatetic school, was well-acquainted with both philosophy and the intricacies of human relationships. His deep understanding of ethics and practical wisdom informs the creation of this text, revealing the author's keen observation of societal behaviors and the importance of character in moral philosophy. This foundational work laid the groundwork for later character studies, influencing literature and psychology across centuries. In 'The Characters of Theophrastus,' readers are encouraged to reflect on their own interactions and the varied personalities they encounter. This book is not merely a collection of sketches but a profound exploration of individuality and social critique. Essential reading for those interested in ethical philosophy, literature, and the art of characterization, it promises to enrich your understanding of human nature in a timeless context.

Technische Details

• Geräte: eReader
• ohne Kopierschutz
• Größe: 0.54MB

Barrierefreiheit

• Text-to-Speech

Autor

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).

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Copycat
• Erscheinungstermin: 11. April 2024
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9788028364861
• Artikelnr.: 70270725