Greek Theatre Exam: Frogs Quotes

"Low comedy cliches make me age a whole year"

Ironic because the god of drama is dissaproving of some of the converntions of comedy and of the scene - comment from Aeschylus that he wants to change greek comedy?

"Burdened with hubris as well as his props"

Xanthias (a slave) is being rude to a god - arrogant - empowering to the audience?

"Had I served... in that great battle of Arginousae... I'd be telling you to take a hike"

First blatant historical referance - the battle happened in 406 - funny because a slave is pondering dismissing a god - Dionysus lacks authority and grandeur

"Hahaha", "terrified of me... for I am Dionysus!"

Hercales reaction to Dionysus dressed as him - finds the god hilarious - Dionysus' statement seems mocking and stupid

"Kleisthenes boat", "Very pretty I'd imagine", "did you get your oar wet?"

D and H mocking the gay politician - mean spirited - would not appeal to a modern audience

"Did you really bat for Kleisthenes team?"

Hercules questioning Dionysus' sexuality - mocking, demeaning the god - subversive?

"I'm looking for a real craftsman... you won't find them in Athens anymore"

Dionysus revealing his plan to find a great poet and save Athens - at this point, he seems in control and worth of repect to some extent - fulfilling his role as god of drama

Andromeda + 4

Amount of times Dionysus quotes from plays in the prologue and one of the plays he quotes from - he is fitting as a god of drama at this point

"Fatso"

Name that Charon repeatedly calls Dionysus - makes fun of him

"Took your time! Where've you been?"

Xanthias got to the other side of the lake on foot quicker than Dionysus in his boat - seems physically stronger, more stamina - makes you wonder who the real superhuman one is

"I'd show everyone who's boss", "w-w-w-where can I hide? Who can I run to?"

Dionysus makes himself seem all tough to begin with but moments later, when Xanthias pretends that there is an Empousa, he is terrified - funny, mocking

(Mopping his croth vigorously) "just a small involuntary libation" (x3)

Dionysus has wet himself - funny - not what you would expect in a god - subversive - mocking - libation = a religious offering, funny because he is a god so should not need to be pouring libations - happens again after he is threatened by Aeachus

"The 'Ether' one?", "the 'Foot of Time?'", "'Bedchamber of Zeus?'"

The quotes that Dionysus keeps naming from his plays - fitting because the god of drama is quoting things but keeps saying the same 3 - almost like these are the only ones he knows

(Their appearance is comic and exaggerated)

How the chorus of Initiates look - Aristophanes is parodying them - he is denouncing the actions of the Athenian government, particularly when they banished Alcibiades for parodying the Elyseuinian Mysteries - saying it is not a big deal

"I've just seen a young girl's titty"

Dionysus very rude and creepy towards the initiates - funnier because they are men dressed as women - stark contrast to the Hymn that has just been sung

"I was always a devout follower of this religion"

Ironic because the religion actually belongs to Dionysus - he is not a follower but a leader and he seems to have forgotten this fact

"I'll be your lugage boy", "Xanthio-Herecles"

Xanthias and Dionysus swap clothing - the god becomes the slave and vice versa- very funny and subversive - Dionysus seems like an actor - taking on different roles - subversive - fitting for a god of drama

"Make all citizens equal", "let them apologise and let them free", "award... the four generals you condemned to death... their freedom", "free all those who fought with us at sea", "we have good men... yet we treat them like dirt", "bring back the good guys!"

Best quotes from the parabasis - Main theme = bring back and pardon the exiled generals inc. Alcibiades, the generals who fought at Arginusae and the failed oligarchs of the 400 - also, metaphor of the coins (the city does not use fine, new coinage but old and rust ones just as they use "the slyest of the sly" politicians instead of the actual good ones)

"You, who are by nature wise, let go of your anger"

Aristophanes flattering the audience durining the parabasis in an attempt to make the listen to him - more persuisive, not as demanding

"Bull-like", "roar his thundering, titanic words", "fearsome eyes"

Aeschylus description

"Delicately crafted words", "smooth tongue"

Euripides description

"Clashing words that give out sparks and flames", "huge feathers upon huge helmets"

Description of the agon - it is like a battle, very serious, contrast to earlier levity - important - war imagery = scary

"Speak up!", "careful there", "enough Aeschylus!", "control yourself!"

Dionysus is finally to be taken seriously - taking on the role of god of drama, commanding the poets

"Children have their teacher to teach them, but adults have the poets"

Aeschylus explaining the importance of theatre - it is educational

"Some wide-arsed chubster... started farting so much like a donkey that he blew his torch out"

Dionysus keeping the tone light during the agon - an intellectual depate is happening and he adds low humour - clever because the humour is working on many different levels

"Let Cleophon and all those non-Athenians do their fighting in their own land!"

Last line of the play - imparting a political message above all - use the Athenian men that you have and stop calling upon foreigners! - role of the Chorus = to relay the moral of the story

"It's a better idea not to rear a lion in a city but if you do, you better obey it's every whim"

Aeschylus explaining why Alcibiades should be brought back again - part of Aristophanes political message