Aristophanes as a satirist

 

Do you consider Aristophanes as a satirist? If yes,

why?

 

Ans. Aristophanes did not like war at all. He wanted that all would live a free life and war would be a thing of the past. The citizens would breathe fresh air and live a free life under the sky. He protested against all kinds of violence. He desired well-being of the country and welfare of the people. It made him a satirist. He was working up hatred and a spirit of revenge in the Athenians. He satirised Pericles who was held responsible for the Peloponnesian war.

 

A play may be a tragedy or a comedy, but it is an objective art. The views of Aristophanes may be traced in the choruses of his comedies. To him war is a mighty giant, peace is an attractive woman, but without a voice, wealth is a blind god and poverty is an ugly woman in tatters. His satire turns into an allegory.

 

The characters of Socrates, Aeschylus, Euripides are caricatured by Aristophanes. The audience could recognise them. His characters are mostly types. Some of the weaknesses of his characters are exaggerated and this exaggeration is the characteristic feature of his caricature. His portrait of Euripides is not altogether unfair. His rationalism and atheism might spell danger to the country. Though satirical, he is without any sting. His sympathy is always there with the characters satirised by him. His satire is not pungent. Aristophanes learned prudence, and for the rest of his life he did not allow his feelings to carry him into danger. His satire was never inimical and revengeful.