Peace

Name: Peace
Author: Aristophanes

By Aristophanes

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About This Book

A comic allegory follows a countryman who, disgusted by the ongoing war, mounts a giant dung-beetle to seek the gods and discovers that the goddess of Peace has been imprisoned while War ravages the land. With help from a chorus of husbandmen and divine intermediaries he frees Peace, returns her to earth, and presides over rural celebrations and a symbolic marriage linking harvest and tranquility. The play blends sharp political satire, mythic inversion, and extended choral passages to argue for reconciliation, agricultural well-being, and the restoration of civic harmony.

About the Author

Aristophanes

Aristophanes was an ancient Greek playwright known for his sharp wit and satirical commentary on Athenian society and politics. Active during the 5th century BCE, he is often regarded as the father of comedy, contributing significantly to the genre with his innovative use of humor and social critique. His works, such as "Lysistrata," which humorously explores themes of war and gender, and "The Clouds," a critique of contemporary philosophy, showcase his ability to blend entertainment with profound commentary. Aristophanes' plays remain influential, reflecting the complexities of human nature and the socio-political landscape of his time.