Aristophanes

The course is addressed to students with at least a medium-level command of Ancient Greek (that is, they have completed at least two years of study at the college level); previous knowledge of Aristophanic language and poetry is not required. We will be reading in the original language Aristophanes’ Acharnians and, if there is time,Wasps. The first was composed during the Peloponnesian War and the second during a short interval of peace when the law courts appear to have been in operation; both have a good deal of political humor. There will be readings of modern essays on different aspects (language, meter, historical background, theatrical performances, literary interpretations, etc.) of this play and of Aristophanes’ production.