theatre scholars

Dover - Comedy

“The license to say what can normally not be said.” (Comedic freedom in DEMOCRATIC ATHENS)

Henderson - Comedy

“Obscenity is a structured comic tool for ridiculous inversion and political commentary.”

Rusten - Comedy

“Aristophanes turned politics into theatre and theatre into politics”

Goodhill - Tragedy

“Continually questions the cities own assumptions”

Easterling - Tragedy

“Audiences acknowledge the myth created reassurance + suspense”

Gould - Tragedy

“Stages the tension between mortal life and divine power” (the negotiation of divine - human order)

Russel - A. Frogs

“Dionysus presented as a coward and buffoon”

Carteledge - A. Frogs

“Chorus comes forward to offer serious advice”

Macdowell - A. Frogs

“Much of comic effect was visual”

Garvie - S. Oedipus

“Illustrates Aristophanes theory of a high quality play”

(T physically blind, O knows nothing)

(Fate and O’s character responsible for downfall)

Higgins - S. Oedipus

“Power of fate cannot be overridden by will”

Wyles - E. Bacchae

“Pentheus crossdress represents Dionysus’ control”

Gervie - E. Bacchae

“Most striking paradox is how Dionysus promises joy but there is only suffering at the end .”