Leiden University Student Repository

Monster, Olivia (2021)

A Cynic, Christian or Charlatan? An analysis of the different identities of Peregrinus Proteus in Lucian’s De Morte Peregrini

Master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (MA)

In this thesis I have explored the three different perceptions on Peregrinus that are discernible in De Morte Peregrini in order to find out how it is possible that one man contained so many personas. Previous research on Peregrinus has often focused on either Peregrinus’ Christianity or on Peregrinus’ cynicism, but a combined approach offers a fuller understanding of Lucian’s invective by showing that Lucian – in both cases – adheres to a similar strategy to satirize the opposing view. In addition, this thesis has adopted a literary approach to De Morte Peregrini. Most existing literature on De Morte Peregrini has focused on the content of Lucian’s narrative, but not so much on its literary nature. By reading De Morte Peregrini in its polemical context, this thesis has shown that the authenticity of Peregrinus’ Christianity and Cynicism is not as ridiculous as Lucian presents it.

Lucian

De Morte Peregrini

Peregrinus Proteus

Cynicism

Christianity

Author

Monster, Olivia

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Classics

Supervisors

Berg, R.M. van den

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en