Brief Description
This book provides an interpretation of Plato from the point of view of dramatic characterization.
Learn More about the Book
This book is an interpretation of Plato in general, and several dialogues in particular, from the point of view of dramatic characterization. It thus forms part of the growing movement towards reading Plato "dramatically," as opposed to reading him as if he wrote treatises like most philosophers. At the same time, it is intended to show traditional "analytical" philosophical interpreters the significance of such "literary" features for understanding the philosophical issues at stake. Its overall goal is to bridge the gulf still existing between such interpreters and more "literary" readers.
About the Author
Ruby Blondell is Professor of Classics at the University of Washington and author of two books and many articles on Greek drama and philosophy.
Review Quotes
1. ..."rich and insightful...What to some Plato scholars was an exasperating and perplexing doctrine is productively contextualized by Blondell. We can now read Theaetetus with richer understanding than before. What more can one ask of scholarship?...Blondell has given us a narrative of Platonic development that...allows us to read the Platonic corpus in a way that makes sense of its many parts...we have a new perspective on Plato, a deeper appreciation than before of his commingling of literary power and philosophical wisdom." New England Classical Journal
2. '... invigorating ... a welcome addition [an] excellent book ... [its] insights do shed real and new light on the dramatic composition of the dialogues ... the book will certainly be important in the debate about Platonic form and content.' M. M. McCabe, Times Literary Supplement
3. 'Ruby Blondell provides a thoroughly researched, intelligently conceived, and well written book which addresses the specific manners in which Plato wrestles with and carries out this very complex task ... Blondell has contributed an impressive piece of scholarship worthy of close and considered attention.' Jill Gordon, Colby College
4. '... a thoroughly researched, intelligently conceived, and well written book ... What she presents really is a new approach to understanding the evidence one is presented with in Plato's dialogues ... Blondell has contributed an impressive piece of scholarship worthy of close and considered attention.' Jill Gordon, Ancient Philosophy
5. "An impressive piece of scholarship worthy of close and considered attention." Ancient Philosophy
6. "Blondell has produced a fine study of Plato's use of characterization, one that must be reckoned with--and will be read with pleasure--by all serious students of the dialogues." Bryn Mawr Classical Review
7. "How are we to understand that Plato, the champion of transcendent and impersonal ideals, is also a brilliant depicter of human individuality? Blondell confronts this paradox in the most comprehensive and insightful treatment available of Plato's representation of human character.... highly recommended for college and university libraries; for upper-level undergraduates and above." Choice
8. "B. has produced a richly detailed and complex study of an aspect of the dialogues which is often overlooked and her book is a valuable contribution to Platonic scholarship." - Tania Gergel, King's College London
9. .,."rich and insightful...What to some Plato scholars was an exasperating and perplexing doctrine is productively contextualized by Blondell. We can now read Theaetetus with richer understanding than before. What more can one ask of scholarship?...Blondell has given us a narrative of Platonic development that...allows us to read the Platonic corpus in a way that makes sense of its many parts...we have a new perspective on Plato, a deeper appreciation than before of his commingling of literary power and philosophical wisdom." New England Classical Journal
10. ."..rich and insightful...What to some Plato scholars was an exasperating and perplexing doctrine is productively contextualized by Blondell. We can now read Theaetetus with richer understanding than before. What more can one ask of scholarship?...Blondell has given us a narrative of Platonic development that...allows us to read the Platonic corpus in a way that makes sense of its many parts...we have a new perspective on Plato, a deeper appreciation than before of his commingling of literary power and philosophical wisdom." New England Classical Journal
11. ..".rich and insightful...What to some Plato scholars was an exasperating and perplexing doctrine is productively contextualized by Blondell. We can now read Theaetetus with richer understanding than before. What more can one ask of scholarship?...Blondell has given us a narrative of Platonic development that...allows us to read the Platonic corpus in a way that makes sense of its many parts...we have a new perspective on Plato, a deeper appreciation than before of his commingling of literary power and philosophical wisdom." New England Classical Journal
