Plutarchus’ borrelpraat?

Abstract

Summary This article aims to assess the humoristic qualities of Plutarch’s Quaestiones Convivales. Although ostensibly a serious piece, the Table Talk, an extensive prose work which treats dozens of subjects suitable for a traditional symposium in the shape of elaborated Q&A, often suggests that its serious nature is not always to be taken at face value. Quite a number of subjects appear to be only mock serious, which yields a colourful sympotic staging where the participants join this game of tongue-in-cheek seriousness, as depicted by Plutarch, based on his own experiences. Overall, serious subjects are treated lightly, whereas ludicrous subjects are given scholarly – often fussy – treatment, with both approaches equally contributing to an air of funny playfulness. Rather than considering the Quaestiones Convivales a mere treasure trove for historic or cultural realia, or as a work primarily reflecting pedagogical or philosophical ideas, it is worthwhile to read the Table Talk for what it also is: a reflection of humor within its own context.