Aristophanes and the Definition of Comedy

By: M. S. Silk

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Paperback | 22 August 2002

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Paperback
464 Pages

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21.59 x 13.97 x 2.62

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Michael Silk presents a radically new critical study of Aristophanes. Against the limited view of Aristophanes as Athenian theatrical satirist, Professor Silk identifies him as one of the world''s great writers. Through an exploration of Aristophanes'' comic poetry, informed by a wide range of theory from Kierkegaard to Adorno, a particular consideration of Aristophanes'' own understanding of his medium, and challenging comparisons with modern literature, this book adds a new chapter to the long-standing debate about the nature and potentialities of comedy. Close analyses of Aristophanes'' language and style, lyric poetry, presentation of character, organizational structures, and humorous modes, are conducted in this spirit. The enigma of ''serious comedy'' and of Aristophanes'' complex preoccupation with tragedy is at the centre of a new assessment of Aristophanic comedy as a whole. All Greek in the text is translated; the versions offered seek to convey the distinctive character of the original.

Industry Reviews

`unquestionably a work of major importance, one of the most distinctive contributions ever made to the interpretation of Aristophanes...Silk's arguments teem with thought-provoking ideas and observations, as well as with a stimulating range of cultural cross-demands to be pondered by anyone who wants to be made to rethink their view of Aristophanes in particular or of comedy in general.' Stephen Halliwell, `Greeceachieves a rema & Rome' Stephen Halliwell, Greece & Rome `Review from previous edition Silk succeeds brilliantly, ranging far and wide across the entire spectrum of ancient and modern comedy ... Michael Silk has given us much to think about.' Erich Segal, TLS `Aristophanes' dialogue ranges from that of the throne room to that of the bathroom, and the keynote is surprise. But Silk seems to have caught it all.' Erich Segal, TLS `The author begins with an imaginative first chapter.' Erich Segal, TLS `Of the dozen or so excellent books on Aristophanes that have appeared in the last decade, M. S. Silk's Aristophanes and the Definition of Comedy stands out as a particularly refreshing re-reading of this unique author's melange of old jokes, high lyrics, low lyrics and virtuoso scatology. It is clearly a labour of love ... a genuine contribution to the field of Aristophanic studies.' Erich Segal, TLS

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