Aristophanes' The Frogs

Aristophanes' The Frogs has to be my favourite play - regardless as to whether its comedy or tragedy. I first studied this play as part of my A Level for Classical Civilization in college and found it really difficult to understand the political allusions and references. But after learning about Greek comedy in first year at university, I reread this play in my own time and it has become an all-time favourite. Although I didn't study this play at university, having an understanding and knowledge of the relevant context helps with any play, but especially this play since the political landscape is integral to understanding the various allusions and references in this play.

The Frogs was first performed at the Lenaia (an Athenian festival that took place once a year) in 405 BC and won first prize. This play follows the god Dionysus who travels to the Underworld to bring Euripides back from the dead. On this katabasis (a journey that involves descending into the Underworld), Dionysus brings his slave Xanthias with him. Dionysus and Xanthias are significantly portrayed in terms of opposition - Xanthaias, a slave, who is importantly of a lower social status compared to the god Dionysus, is depicted as much smarter and braver than Dionysus. After encountering various obstacles on their journey and meeting Heracles, there eventually is a contest to determine who is the best tragic playwright. Eventually, Pluto allows Aeschylus to return to the land of the living and Aeschylus says before leaving that Sophocles can have his chair in the Underworld, not Euripides.

One of the main themes of this play is old vs. new, as old is viewed as good and positive whilst new is seen as bad and negative. Not only is this depicted through the old and new playwright contest but also through the political discussions as illustrated by the allusions and textual comments on the politics that was occurring during this time period. This is since the play contains serious political messages, mostly obviously dealt with through the play's parabasis where Aristophanes explicitly gives advice to the audience of giving the rights of citizens back to the power of the people that had participated in the oligarchic revolution of 411 BC.

Whilst there have been many translations of Aristophanes' The Frogs, my personal favourite is the penguin edition which has been translated by Shomit Dutta with an introduction and notes. This introduction and set of notes are integral in understanding the political allusions, since it's very easy to miss the full understanding of these references, since they refer to the political landscape at the time.