Dr. Bonnie MacLachlan
Introduction
Bonnie MacLachlan is a distinguished figure in classical studies, best known for her extensive research into ancient Greek literature, mythology, and gender roles. As a long-time professor at the University of Western Ontario, she has become a respected voice in the fields of Greek religion and poetry, shaping modern interpretations of ancient texts. With a career that spans decades, her academic journey reflects a commitment to understanding the complex intersections of literature, ritual, and gender in the ancient world.
Area of Expertise
Dr. Bonnie MacLachlan’s scholarship focuses on interpreting the cultural, religious, and literary expressions of the ancient Greeks and Romans. With a sharp analytical eye, she has investigated early Greek poetry, the symbolism embedded in myth, and the roles of women in ancient societies. Her studies frequently emphasize how rituals reflect social norms and identities. She has also taught widely on Greek and Roman mythology, Greek philosophy, and women’s studies, bringing ancient texts to life for modern readers. Her background in feminist thought, shaped during the social movements of the 1970s, adds a critical depth to her interpretations of classical antiquity.
Books & Publications
Bonnie MacLachlan’s bibliography showcases her wide-ranging intellect and commitment to accessible classical scholarship. The Age of Grace (1993), published by Princeton University Press, examines the Greek concept of charis, or grace, highlighting its social and aesthetic resonance in early poetry. Her 2007 co-edited volume, Virginity Revisited, addresses the symbolic power of virginity in ancient texts, especially regarding female autonomy and religious status.
She has also produced practical resources for students, such as Women in Ancient Greece: A Sourcebook (2012) and Women in Ancient Rome: A Sourcebook (2013), both of which compile essential primary sources alongside interpretive commentary. These books offer unique insights into female experience across different classes and regions of the ancient world. Earlier works like Harmonia Mundi (1991), co-edited with Robert Wallace, explore the intersection of music and philosophy in antiquity. Her editorial hand shaped Thalia Delighting in Song (2013), celebrating the work of Emmet I. Robbins and further cementing her legacy in ancient poetic studies.
Research & Contributions
Bonnie MacLachlan has consistently brought fresh perspectives to longstanding questions in classical scholarship. Her exploration of charis not only reframed poetic appreciation but also emphasized interpersonal dynamics in Greek society. Her studies of ritual practice—particularly those involving women in Southern Italy and Sicily—have introduced new ways to think about marginal voices and religious agency in ancient cultures.
She has examined the narrative function of mythic figures like nymphs and heroines, focusing on their relationship to social order and ritual purity. Her research into curse tablets—a practice often used by disenfranchised women seeking justice—underscores her interest in non-elite perspectives. She has also contributed to broader conversations around value systems in antiquity through work on ancient coinage, offering a philosophical view of economic transactions in the classical world. Her willingness to connect poetic aesthetics with sociopolitical realities has earned her a respected place among classical scholars globally.
Awards & Recognitions
While Bonnie MacLachlan may not be widely publicized in terms of formal awards, her career reflects deep institutional respect and professional acknowledgment. She served in leadership roles for the Classical Association of Canada, holding the offices of Vice-President (2012–2014), President (2014–2016), and Past-President (2016–2018). These roles underscore her influence in shaping classical scholarship in Canada.
Within the University of Western Ontario, she held key administrative positions including Graduate Chair and Associate Dean of Arts, responsibilities that speak to her academic leadership and dedication to interdisciplinary education. Her service on editorial boards and internal academic committees, including the SSHRC Awards Committee and the Phoenix journal, points to her trusted expertise across multiple areas of classical studies.
Social Media Profiles
In contrast to more public-facing academics, Bonnie MacLachlan maintains a scholarly presence primarily through academic networks rather than mainstream social media. Her work is accessible on platforms like Academia.edu, where she has published dozens of papers and garnered a dedicated scholarly following. These entries include papers on topics such as gender ambiguity in Greek mythology, ritual speech in ancient drama, and the philosophical symbolism of Aphrodite.
Though she doesn’t maintain active personal profiles on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn, her publications frequently appear in academic search engines like JSTOR and Google Scholar. This digital footprint allows students, researchers, and readers interested in classical studies to engage with her research directly. Her role as a mentor and external examiner further indicates ongoing involvement in shaping the future of classical scholarship.
Bibliographic Sources
MacLachlan, B. (1993). The age of grace: Charis in early Greek poetry. Princeton University Press.
MacLachlan, B. (Ed.). (2013). Thalia delighting in song: Essays on ancient Greek poetry by Emmet I. Robbins. University of Toronto Press.
MacLachlan, B. (2012). Women in ancient Greece: A sourcebook. Bloomsbury Academic.
University of Western Ontario, Department of Classical Studies. (n.d.). Faculty profile: Dr. Bonnie MacLachlan. Retrieved from https://www.uwo.ca/classics
Academia.edu. (n.d.). Bonnie MacLachlan – Western University Canada. Retrieved June 16, 2025, from https://uwo.academia.edu/BonnieMacLachlan
