Among Plutarch’s essays, the one that most effectively combines a serious message with entertainment value is his Gryllus. This examines the nature of human society through the staging of a pseudo-Platonic debate between Odysseus, Circe, and Gryllus (“Grunter”), who has been transformed into a pig and does not want to be changed back into a man. Gryllus argues that he is correct in preferring his present existence. He achieves an impressive defense of zoomorphic being. Beasts are more courageous because they fight without guile. Female beasts are braver than
