Final answer:
Pliny the Younger admired Fannia and viewed her as a role model, which was unconventional for women of her time. He praised her lineage, personal virtues and his own indebtedness to her friendship. This respect is indicative of the high regard Pliny had for individuals of strong character, which likely extended to his uncle, Pliny the Elder.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pliny the Younger, a prominent Roman lawyer and author, held his uncle, Pliny the Elder, in high esteem, evident from his writings that showcase their relationship. However, the question seems to be focused on his views about Fannia as a Roman role model rather than about his uncle.
In his letters, Pliny the Younger shows deep respect for Fannia, a matron of Roman society, as seen in Book 7, Letter 19, where he praises her virtues and lineage. Pliny defied societal norms by elevating the status of women like Fannia when he stressed the value of their friendship and his unconditional support during their times of exile, thus positioning her as a role model and in a place of power.
This respect towards Fannia, particularly during a period where elite men were primarily seen as figures of virtue, speaks volumes of the esteem he possibly extended to his illustrious uncle, Pliny the Elder.
In his letter, Pliny the Younger's admiration for Fannia's ability to uphold her family's honor and the connection with her mother Arria the Younger, illustrates a deviation from typical societal expectations for elite Roman women and reflects positively on Pliny's own values and the high bar he sets for moral character and heroism.