Getting to know you exercise Step Four
Pliny and Trajan had similar career paths before AD 98, and they are both men born into the same class. What is the power dynamic Pliny constructs in his letters? How is it different from or similar to what we found in Dio and Plutarch’s works?
What are the major leadership challenges that Pliny faces in his post in Bithynia? When does he seek Trajan’s advice or ask for a favor? (This could also be an annotation exercise.)
Many of the issues addressed in these letters are rather mundane. Can you identify any of the lofty qualities of leadership pointed out by Dio and Plutarch even in these day-to-day crises?
Does Trajan bear any resemblance to the ideal kings of Dio and Plutarch? How would you describe his character and approach to his subordinates in a few sentences?