Is Shakespeare a Synonym for Greek? I’m amazed how much Shakespeare reminds me of the ancient Greek poets, both in the themes and the dialogues of the plays. Firstly, the style of the dialogues, which I’d call “contrapuntal”, with one high-flown voice of oratory and another plainer often ironic voice acting as commentary and counterpoint, is strikingly reminiscent of Aristophanes. The witty fool, who is wiser than the King, seems […]
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“Aristophanes IV” by Aristophanes
Aristophanes is best remembered (by me) for travestying Socrates and Euripides in his plays. Much as I dislike his buffoonery, he might provide an interesting study of the irrational national sentiments and the sway of public opinion. He raises two issues which are quite relevant today: 1. How does art influence morality and vice versa? 2. How does rationality influence morality? The Frogs was performed at the Festivals of Dionysus […]
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A passage in Plato’s “Apology” is a very good summary of this comedy: “What do the slanderers say? They shall be my prosecutors, and I will sum up their words in an affidavit: ‘Socrates is an evil-doer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause; and he teaches the aforesaid doctrines to others.’ Such is […]
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