ARTSSCI 1A06 Lecture 12: 12) Masks 2
17 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
Parabasis provides a turning point in the play that breaks the illusion of the play"s narrative. Aristophanes breaks the narrative, has the chorus address the audience. Parabasis makes us conscious of the arti ce of the play itself (the masks onstage). Idiots (the majority) - didn"t feel the play was base enough. A few smart ones - need more than shallow nonsense. Take it seriously: masking serves an important function. Parabasis makes us aware of what masking is doing in the play. Aristophanes gives us a hint through parabasis. Hamlet: the play"s the thing / wherein i"ll catch the conscience of the king (ii. ii). Masking is a technique hamlet uses to expose truth - bit of a paradox! They cover up who is speaking, cover up identity. Everything profound loves a mask - nietzsche. Masks help us manage important aspects of life. Masks allow us to explore alternate identities, new possibilities.
