Aristophanes and Athens An Introduction to the Plays

by MacDowell, Douglas M.

• ISBN13: 9780198721581
• ISBN10: 0198721587
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-10-26
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Aristophanes' comedies are famous for their comic characters and earthy humor. But they are also highly topical, with many contemporary political allusions easily missed today. This book provides students with a long needed accessible and essential introductory guide to the plays, focusingparticularly on information about the Athens of the day.

Author Biography

Douglas M. MacDowell is Professor of Greek at the University of Glasgow.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. v
Abbreviations and Bibliography	p. viii
Chronological Table of Plays	p. xii
Intention and Interpretation	p. 1
The Audience and Its Expectations	p. 7
Early Plays	p. 27
Akharnians	p. 46
Horsemen	p. 80
Clouds	p. 113
Wasps	p. 150
Peace	p. 180
Birds	p. 199
Lysistrata	p. 229
Women at the Thesmophoria	p. 251
Frogs	p. 274
Women at the Assembly	p. 301
Wealth	p. 324
Aristophanes and Athens	p. 350
Index	p. 357
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