This book provides a student-friendly introduction to Aristophanes' comedy "Peace," analyzing its context, themes, staging, and legacy, including its response to contemporary wartime politics and staging options for flying. It is ideal for students and scholars alike.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Aristophanes' "Peace" - A Comprehensive Analysis for Students and Scholars

Aristophanes' "Peace" is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated audiences for centuries. This first volume dedicated to the play, "Peace: A Student's Introduction to Aristophanes' Comedy," offers a comprehensive analysis of the play for a student audience and assumes no prior knowledge of Greek. It is part of a new series of books that explore ancient comedies, making it an invaluable resource for students and scholars alike.

The play was first performed in 421 BC, just days before the signing of a peace treaty that ended ten years of fighting between Athens and Sparta (the Archidamian War). Aristophanes celebrates this momentous occasion with an imaginative fantasy involving his hero's flight on a gigantic dung-beetle to Olympus, the rescue of the goddess Peace from her imprisonment in a cave, and her return to a Greece weary of ten years of war.

Like most of Aristophanes' comedies, "Peace" is heavy on fantasy and imagination, light on formal structure, and an exuberant farce that champions the opponents of War and celebrates the delights of the return to country life. It is a play that delights in the simple pleasures of life and the joys of being away from the horrors of war.

Six Chapters Highlight the Play's Context, Themes, Staging, and Legacy

The book is divided into six chapters that highlight the play's context, themes, staging, and legacy. The first chapter provides a historical background of the play, including its social and political context, the political situation in Athens and Sparta, and the Archidamian War. The second chapter explores the play's themes, including the role of women in ancient Greek society, the nature of war, and the importance of peace. The third chapter examines the staging of the play, including the use of masks, costumes, and props, and the impact of these elements on the audience. The fourth chapter discusses the legacy of the play, including its response to contemporary wartime politics and the possible staging options for flying. The fifth chapter explores the play's influence on later Greek literature and drama, and the sixth chapter provides a conclusion that summarizes the key points of the book.

One of the key strengths of "Peace" is its ability to engage students and scholars alike. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it easy to understand even for those with limited knowledge of Greek. The author's enthusiasm for the play is evident throughout, and he provides a wealth of information and insights that will help students and scholars alike appreciate the play's significance.

In conclusion, "Peace: A Student's Introduction to Aristophanes' Comedy" is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Greek comedy. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the play for a student audience and assumes no prior knowledge of Greek. The book's six chapters highlight the play's context, themes, staging, and legacy, and its ability to engage students and scholars alike makes it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the ancient world.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 208 x 132 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350020214