The Homeric episode mentioned at Prot. 340a can be construed as one of hybris against the gods, because Achilles does not hesitate to fight against a fluvial deity. From a Platonic point of view, his behaviour is seriously impious, and it comes as no surprise that his assault on the god-river is sharply criticized in the Republic. On the contrary, according to Protagoras this very same episode seems to be one of glory, emphasising the defying strength of Achilles. By equating Protagoras with an occasionally godless Achilles and by reminding his sympathy for such theomachoi, Plato maliciously hints at the sophist''s alleged impiety. A satyrical vein suddenly surfaces from the placid waters of Socrates'' usual urbanitas.
Protagoras' Achilles: Homeric Allusion as a Satirical Weapon (PL. PRT 340A) / A. Capra. - In: CLASSICAL PHILOLOGY. - ISSN 0009-837X. - 100:3(2005), pp. 274-277.
Protagoras' Achilles: Homeric Allusion as a Satirical Weapon (PL. PRT 340A)
A. CapraPrimo
2005
Abstract
The Homeric episode mentioned at Prot. 340a can be construed as one of hybris against the gods, because Achilles does not hesitate to fight against a fluvial deity. From a Platonic point of view, his behaviour is seriously impious, and it comes as no surprise that his assault on the god-river is sharply criticized in the Republic. On the contrary, according to Protagoras this very same episode seems to be one of glory, emphasising the defying strength of Achilles. By equating Protagoras with an occasionally godless Achilles and by reminding his sympathy for such theomachoi, Plato maliciously hints at the sophist''s alleged impiety. A satyrical vein suddenly surfaces from the placid waters of Socrates'' usual urbanitas.
Pubblicazioni consigliate
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
