THE LIFE OF ANTONY THE GREAT

By Athanasius of Alexandria

 

Study Questions:

 

1. What are the main stages of Antony`s Life?

 

2. What is your favourite episode from the Life? Why?

 

3. How would you describe Antony`s life before the hermetic withdrawal? What were his upbringing and education?

 

4. How/Why did he decide to become an ascetic?

 

5. Was he the first ascetic to withdraw from the world? What does Athanasius say about the ascetic movement at the time of Antony?

 

6. What temptations did he undergo in the desert?

 

7. The Life of Antony was called a brave attempt at articulating evil. How is evil depicted in this work? What are its names, guises, actions?

 

8. What can you say about Antony`s wisdom? Discuss his contention with the philosophers.

 

9. In what words and images is articulated Antony`s power?

 

10. What roles does Antony play in his Life?

 

     11. What historical events are mentioned in Antony’s life?

 

12. How does Antony progress in his spiritual life?

 

13. What can you say about Antony`s asceticism?

 

14. Comment on Antony’s wish to be a martyr.

 

15. What Biblical quotations or references can you identify in this narrative?

 

16. Although Antony is removed from civilization, is he cut off from society?

 

17. With what types of people does Anthony have contact?

 

18. If Anthony had never left his cell, could he still be a good Christian?

 

 19. How does Anthony relate to church authorities? to imperial authorities? to local governmental authorities?

 

20. How does Antony’s hagiographer, bishop Athanasius, make use of Anthony’s life and fame?

 

21. In your view, is Antony`s lifestyle the best form of Christianity?

 
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