in “The Frogs.” [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★
Or, Bring out the dramatic significance of the debate scene in “The Frogs.” [NU: 2019]
Or, Summarize the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides. [NU: 2022]
“The Frogs” (405 BCE), written by Aristophanes (c. 446–386 BCE), is one of the finest comedies in Greek literature. It was written when Athens was weak after the Peloponnesian War. The play’s most famous part is the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides in the Underworld. Aristophanes uses this debate to judge two great tragic poets. It reflects the poet’s role in improving society and saving Athens.
Beginning of the Contest: The contest takes place in Pluto’s palace in Hades. The Chorus announces that Euripides wants to take Aeschylus’s chair, which is reserved for the best tragic poet. Pluto allows a debate to decide who deserves it. Dionysus becomes the judge. Aeschylus and Euripides enter, each confident of victory. The atmosphere is both serious and comic. Aristophanes mixes argument and laughter beautifully. This opening sets the stage for a debate full of wit, logic, and poetic pride.
Euripides’s Claims: Euripides argues that he improved tragedy. He says,
“When I ... took this art of plays from you,
crammed with bombast to the gills.
... I ... reduced its weight.”
He believes he made the plays more natural and realistic. His heroes and heroines speak in everyday language. He claims,
“I taught them to think,
... to understand, to love new twists
and double dealing,”
He thinks his plays make people clever. But his words also show that he taught Athenians to be doubtful and tricky.
Aeschylus’s Reply: Aeschylus strongly defends the greatness of old tragedy. He says,
“My poetry did not die with me, / but his did once he died.”
He believes his plays were noble and moral. He shows that poets should inspire people to be brave and virtuous. He praises Orpheus, saying,
“He taught us not to kill.”
Aeschylus criticizes Euripides for showing evil and immoral acts on the stage. He blames him for filling Athens “with apes who always cheat our people.” His words show his moral purpose in art.
Judgment by Weighing Poetry: To end the argument, Pluto orders a test. Each poet must recite lines of his poetry. The poetry is then weighed on a scale to see which is “weightier.” Dionysus watches closely. Aeschylus’s lines are full of strong and noble words, while Euripides’s are lighter and clever. The scale tips in favor of Aeschylus both times. This symbolic test shows that Aeschylus’s art has more power and dignity. Aristophanes thus praises the strength of moral and heroic poetry over the smart but weak modern style.
Final Decision and Message: When Dionysus still cannot decide, he asks both poets to give advice to save Athens. Euripides says,
“If we reversed our course, we might be saved.”
But his advice is unclear. Aeschylus suggests,
“Use worthy people once again.”
His words are wise and firm. Dionysus chooses Aeschylus as the winner. Pluto says,
“So now farewell, Aeschylus—go, save our city with your noble thoughts.”
The scene ends with joy and respect for noble art and good leadership.
In termination, the debate between Aeschylus and Euripides is the heart of “The Frogs”. It is serious yet humorous, critical yet kind. Aristophanes uses it to praise poetry that uplifts people and improves society. Through this debate, he honors Aeschylus as a true moral teacher. The scene shows that laughter and wisdom can exist together in great literature.
Continue Reading
Subscribe to access the full content
Upgrade to Premium