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The thirteenth oration of Dio Chrysostom: complexity and simplicity, rhetoric and moralism, literature and life*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

John Moles
John Moles
Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
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Abstract

This paper takes the Thirteenth Oration as a test case of many of the questions raised by the career and works of Dio Chrysostom. The speech's generic creativity and philosophical expertise are demonstrated. Historical problems are clarified. Analysis shows how Dio weaves seemingly diverse themes into a complex unity. New answers are given to two crucial interpretative problems. Exploration of Dio's self-representation and of his handling of internal and external audiences and of temporal and spatial relationships leads to the conclusion that he has a serious philosophical purpose: the advocacy of Antisthenic/Cynic paideia in place of the current paideia both of Romans and Athenians. Paradoxically, this clever, ironic and sophisticated speech deconstructs its own apparent values in the interests of simple, practical moralizing.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Hellenic Studies , Volume 125 , November 2005 , pp. 112 - 138
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies 2005

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