CLA232H1 Lecture : Aristophanes' Wasps
Document Summary
Internal differences challenge the idea of us ~ up to this point, we"ve seen athens / greece as a unity, the self. Drama a way for athenians to think through issues of self-definition. Theatre sponsored by the rich (liturgies), subsiding prices for the demos ~ place where the rich meets the poor. Rituals = emphasize importance of demos and reward the contribution of the rich. Tragedy: superhuman elites who lead great lives but meet horrible ends, chorus = demos ~ voices of reason, famous for middling philosophy (meden agan) Need these elites but there"s always a danger of bringing trouble. Comedy not allowed to criticize the demos so they attack the elites: politicians often targeted >> power of demos emphasized, mockery = political critique, laughter = populous power. Comedies ~ inside jokes, most of the people made fun of was in the audience. ~ the politician mocked was elected / chosen by the people so the demos indirectly mocked.
