Triumvir Clio

Greek Comedy VI: Aristophanes’s Peace, or Symbolism Much?

In this play, Aristophanes finally achieves his dream of ending the Peloponnesian War. And at least one of the sources I used in writing this episode thinks this is his greatest play. I look forward to hearing what you think about it. Discussion Prompts What do you think about the role of women in thisContinue reading “Greek Comedy VI: Aristophanes’s Peace, or Symbolism Much?”

Greek Epics III: Iliad Book 2, or Homer Drops Names

If you were looking for action, well, we’re still waiting for the fighting. I promise it will come, but Book 2 is still setting up the story. Discussion Prompts What do you think of the Iliad so far? What do you think about the role the gods are playing? Who is your favorite character? Why?Continue reading “Greek Epics III: Iliad Book 2, or Homer Drops Names”

Greek Tragedy VIII: Aeschylus’s The Eumenides, or Law & Order: Athens

We have reached the end of the Oresteia. In the discussion, feel free to add your thoughts about the Eumenides and the entire trilogy. Discussion Prompts So, now that you’ve read the entire Oresteia, what do you think? What do you think about this play in particular, and what do you think about the trilogy asContinue reading “Greek Tragedy VIII: Aeschylus’s The Eumenides, or Law & Order: Athens”

Greek Epics II: Iliad Book 1, or Greek Heroes are Whiny

In this episode, we begin reading the Iliad at a logical point: Book 1. There’s a lot of whining and whinging going on in this book, and I’m not sure any of it is really justified… Discussion Prompts What do you think of the Iliad so far? What translation are you reading? Audio or print? InContinue reading “Greek Epics II: Iliad Book 1, or Greek Heroes are Whiny”

Greek Epics I: An Introduction to Homer and His Epics

There’s nothing ill about the Iliad and nothing odd about the Odyssey, and we will read them both. This episode covers Homer, the background mythology of the Trojan War, and orality versus literacy. If you have questions or additional information (please cite!), the comments are open.

Greek Comedy V: Aristophanes’s The Wasps, or Being a Juror is Awesome

Wasps is still very political, but in many ways is more accessible in its subject matter than the earlier works by Aristophanes that we have read. Discussion Prompts Who is the protagonist, Procleon or Contracleon? Why? If you were directing this today, how would you tie the beginning of the play to the end ofContinue reading “Greek Comedy V: Aristophanes’s The Wasps, or Being a Juror is Awesome”

Greek Tragedy VII: Aeschylus’s The Libation Bearers, Or the Demon Children of Argos Street

In this episode, we cover the second play in Aeschylus’s Oresteia trilogy, and we meet the sister who was completely ignored in the first play. Discussion Points What are your thoughts at this point in the Oresteia? Do you think this play stands on its own? How would you present it? Electra does not reappearContinue reading “Greek Tragedy VII: Aeschylus’s The Libation Bearers, Or the Demon Children of Argos Street”

Greek Comedy IV: Aristophanes’s The Knights, or Demos Abbey

In this episode, we join Aristophanes in making fun of Cleon. This is a very political piece, so the discussion prompts come from an analysis focused on the politics. But, as always, I’m interested in what other thoughts you had. Discussion Prompts What did you think of the Knights? How do you feel it to beContinue reading “Greek Comedy IV: Aristophanes’s The Knights, or Demos Abbey”

Greek Tragedy VI: Aeschylus’s Agamemnon, or the Original Cell Block Tango

This is the first play in the Oresteia trilogy. While we we consider the trilogy as a whole after we have read all three plays, the discussion at this point will focus solely on Agamemnon. Discussion Prompts What do you think of this play? If you aren’t familiar with the story, what do you thinkContinue reading “Greek Tragedy VI: Aeschylus’s Agamemnon, or the Original Cell Block Tango”

Greek Comedy II: Aristophanes Was… Well… He Was.

Aristophanes wrote a lot of topical plays, so it’s useful to have an idea of the man. In this episode, I try… The comments are open for questions, thoughts, and additional information (please cite!).