Aristophanes

Descriptive Essay # 113565

Drama and Theater > Greek and Roman
Literature > Greek and Roman
Literature > World

An examination of the life of Aristophanes as reflected in his plays, particularly "The Archarnians" and "The Knights."

1,056 words () | 2 sources | APA | 2008 | France

Published on: Apr 20, 2009

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at what is known of Aristophanes and what we can learn about him from his work, focusing on his first surviving play, "The Archarnians," which has been identified as being the world's first anti-war comedy, and "The Knights," considered as Aristophanes' masterpiece because of its direct attack on the all-powerful Cleon. The writer explains how democracy was under attack when Aristophanes began writing, and how much of his work reflects contemporary political and social issues, fearlessly using satire to expose unscrupulous politicians.

Outline:
Introduction
Literary Masterpieces that Challenged a Nation
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Apart from his work, little is known about the actual details of Aristophanes life, although it is estimated that he was born in Attica in 445 B.C., and that he moved to Aegina, where his family owned a small estate, during his childhood. It is believed that Aristophanes was educated at Athens and that he may have been a disciple of Prodicus. Considered as the greatest comedian of his age, it was due to his astounding talent that the old Attic comedy was fully developed, and which was marked by the "acquisition of a chorus of masked actors, and of scenery and machinery, and by a corresponding literary elaboration and elegance of style" (TheatreHistory.com, 2008). Nevertheless, his work remained true to both its origins and purpose (Ibid.)."

Sample of Sources Used:

TheatreDatabase.com (2008). Online article: "The Knights." Retrieved 10/23/2008 from: < http://www.theatredatabase.com/ancient/aristophanes_002.html>
TheatreHistory.com (2008). Online article: Aristophanes and His Comedies." Retrieved 10/23/2008. < http://www.theatrehistory.com/ancient/aristophanes001.html>
Imagination.com (2008). Online article: "Aristophanes." Retrieved 10/23/2008 from: < http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc13.htm>