The Acharnians

Name: The Acharnians
Author: Aristophanes

By Aristophanes

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About This Book

An Athenian named Dicaeopolis, exhausted by the Peloponnesian War, withdraws from civic rancor to make a private peace for his household and land after public assemblies reject his plea. The comedy deploys a rustic chorus, farcical market scenes, and parodic set-pieces that satirize wartime shortages, demagogues, and contemporary dramatic fashion. Repeated mockery of prominent public figures and poets underlines the contrast between urban strife and rural plenty, and the action resolves in a noisy rural feast that celebrates the pleasures of peace and ordinary plenty.

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.