What to look for in a horse; On horsemanship; Xenophon

Why you might read On Horsemanship?

On Horsemanship is one of the earliest works on horsemanship. It gives us insight into the choosing and training of horses in ancient Greece. Its author was an avid horseman often commanding troops from horseback. But Xenophon has another book on the cavalry commander. It is easy enough to follow even for someone who knows nothing about horses.

Synopsis of On Horsemanship

This book gives a detailed analysis of how to choose an unbroken horse. What to look for both in temperament and physically. He then also gives advice on buying a horse that has already been broken and ridden. Finally, he explains how to train a horse for war and for the parade.

Reflections on On Horsemanship

Like I said it is easy enough to read even for a person who knows nothing about horses. It is not overly technical but in places, it is a bit vague and I would not know how to implement what he suggests.

The differences between what to look for between the unbroken to the broken horse. Of course, a lot of it is the difference based on being able to test the broken horse. In the broken case there is less about the physicality of the horse.

What others have to say about On Horsemanship

"Xenophon intended the concise On Horsemanship, above all, to be practical — a work of applied theory. Neither geography nor overall military strategy, that is, predisposed ancient Greece to practising mounted warfare or to developing advanced cavalry tactics, so despite the status of Athenian cavalry as “a corps d’élite,”" From Horse Talk

"It is the first work known to emphasise training techniques that take account of the horse's psyche as well as his physical condition." From Local Riding

Comparisons with other texts

Being the first book on horsemanship leaves little to compare with content-wise. This leaves me with only the craftsmanship to comment on.

Like Apology, this is an easy read. In both Xenophon is concise while still explaining his point in enough detail for the reader to get his point. Both works do not assume that the reader has much in the way of prior knowledge.

Conclusion

 A simple read. It gives insight into the ancient Greek way of horsemanship and the training of horses for war. Written in such a way as to be understandable to the layman as well as the one who knows horses. 

Have you read On Horsemanship? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read On Horsemanship but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of On Horsemanship. 

An account of Socrates' trial; Apology, Xenophon

Why you might read Apology?

Apology is a short telling of the trial of Socrates and gives us a quick insight into the man. We have no writings by Socrates himself. Instead, we have the writings of two of his disciples, Xenophon and Plato. As part of your self-education, it gives an introduction to Socrates. 

Synopsis of Apology

Apology is a short telling of the trial and defence of Socrates. Xenophon was not in Athens at the time. He instead tells the story based on what he is told by Hermogenes. He is taken to trial by Anytus and condemned. His disciples see the trial as unfair and unjust. But Socrates sees it as his time today and is positive about dying before reaching old age.

Reflections on Apology

This is a second-hand account that reports to tell the words of Socrates in his trial. As such it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. It is well known that eyewitness accounts vary and this is then told by a third party. That being said Xenophon did know Socrates well. While not 100%, will still be a fair representation of what he might have said.

Xenophon in some places specifically says that he heard this bit from Hermogenes. This makes me wonder if he had other unknown sources as well.

Socrates faces death with a philosophical, pun not intended, outlook. His view that it is better to die while still in his prime is interesting. It shows a different outlook on old age as something to be avoided. Compared with today's twilight years and retirement.

What others have to say about Apology

"Xenophon's Apology was written about 15 years after Socrates died, which would be about 386 B.C." From Roangelo

"is an account of Socrates' defence at his trial in 399 BC. There are some differences of emphasis with Plato's dialogue of the same name, the only other extant account of the trial." From Tom Griffin

"What might be thought a trivial point about style hearkens to a much larger problem, as Socrates deliberated both on his defence (apologias) and the end of his life." From Ashokkarra

Comparisons to other texts

The Clouds takes aim at Socrates' work. It basically calls those who follow it fools. By contrast, Apology shows Socrates in a positive light. Though little of it is about his teaching perse, we do see his defence to the charges. From this, we gain some knowledge of his outlook.

Agesilaus speaks also of the dead after they are gone. But by contrast, it tells of his deeds, whereas Apology tells of his trial. This focus on the last moments of life gives a different kind of insight. Although both are prey to giving a positive spin on the deaths.

Conclusion

Apology gives a secondhand view of the trial of Socrates. It is far from impartial but does give us a feel for the man. How he approached death, even an unjust one, with an eye to the loss of suffering rather than loss of opportunity.

Have you read Apology? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read Apology but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of Apology. 

The long way home; Anabasis, Xenophon

Why you might read Anabasis?

Anabasis is a concise telling of the Greek expedition into Persia and their journey home. They are following Cyrus the would-be Persian King.  

For history, it is an easy read and gives great insight into the life of Xenophon. This knowledge will give some insight into his philosophical works. Overall, it builds into the understanding of the ongoing conflicts between Greece and Persia.

Synopsis of Anabasis

Book I: 

 The first book outlines how Cyrus gathers an army and marches for the capital. He goes to face his older brother who is king. Cyrus is trying to stage a coup. Xenophone gives details of the origin of each section of troops. This includes a sizeable Greek contingent. Their march inland to Babylon is told in great detail. This consists of the distances between the cities in which they stopped. It ends with the battle between Cyrus and the King and how different parts of the army succeed on both sides. In the end, however, Cyrus dies

Book II:

This book outlines the talks between the Greeks and the King. There is much going back and forth. The Greeks as cut off, surrounded by enemy territory. And so they try to get peace but come from a prideful situation. They see themselves as the victors of the battle and so will not surrender arms. Talks go back and forward. Eventually, the King showed his hand by executing almost all the generals of the Greeks. 

Book III:

his book details the regrouping of the Greek force under new leadership. This includes Xenophon himself. This only happens after everyone is despondent for a while. After much discussion, they resolve to fight their way home. They head off in a box formation with the baggage in the centre. They burn the wagons, the tents, and anything that might be excess to need. They skirmish with the king's forces a couple of times. They are outmatched without archers and cavalry. They remedy this by pulling men from the baggage train that can use slings. As well as using captured horses that were being used as beasts of burden repurposed as cavalry. From here they back themselves into a corner up a valley and have to come back out. They resolve to go north after hearing reports from locals. 

Book IV:

This book details the flight north of the Greek army. They proceed to the headwaters of both the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Large portions go past without getting more than a mention. Xenophon however goes into detail on battles including the taking of a stronghold. He also notes the men's reaction to finally seeing the sea. They start shouting and running until the entire army is on top of a mountain and can see the sea. The peoples they meet on the way are a mix of friendly and set on war. That being said almost every time a dialogue can be established there is an oath sworn not to burn the villages. These the Greeks happily swear and are happy to keep as they have no quarrel with the inhabitants.

Book V:

This book details the attempt to go home by the sea and the eventual march by land. The men upon reaching the sea lose their will to walk. But after not enough boats can be retrieved to carry the army and provisions run low they must move on by foot. The peoples they find are a mix of friendly and unfriendly. This is generally determined by if they are barbarians or a greek colony. Much thought is put into how to get some plunder and not go back to Greece empty-handed. 

Book VI:

his book details the continuation of the move through the outer greek territories. It also includes the separation and reformation of the army. The army first decides to appoint a commander. And do away with the council of generals they currently have. Xenophon is the candidate they want but he does not want the job. Within a week of appointing a commander, the army splits into 3 by racial lines. One goes by sea and is fine, two go by land. One runs into the enemy and is surrounded by the enemy. Xenophon commanding the other land force goes to their aid. After rescuing this part the army reforms and gives pledges not to break up again. 

Book VII:

This book details the expedition in Thrace for pay. Xenophon had great difficulty persuading the employing king to pay the soldiers. Even though it had been promised. Xenophon by this point wanted to leave the army and proceed home alone. However, circumstances and sacrifices kept him at the head of the army. Until the Lacedemonian generals take over at the entry to Greece to start another war. The book ends with a list of the countries they have travelled through and a total time of 1 year and 3 months. 

Reflections on Anabasis

Interestingly, Xenophon chooses to tell this story from a third-person perspective. It is easy due to this to forget that he wrote it. As a modern reader, I wonder if that was done to try and hide the bias in the telling. Either that or if it was the done thing for histories at the time of writing.

The problem of feeding and paying the army is a major issue throughout the whole campaign. This is especially true after the death of Cyrus. It has always been true that an army marches on its stomach. The occasional offers of others to pay the army is interesting, even if they don't tend to follow through. It also lead to some interesting decisions about the route. It was often better to march through hostile territory so that you could take from the villages. by comparison, if you went through friendly land where you had to pay for your food. After a long march, there was no money to hand so taking from the land became more and more necessary.

Xenophone ending up in charge of the army is interesting as well as he does not really seem qualified. He is rather is placed there when the generals are killed by the Persian King. He seems to do a really good job considering the situation. The only thing anyone can accuse him of is that he is overly fond of the soldiers and wants them to get their pay. At no point do they face an army on the same terms though. They are too big and manage to scare off opponents rather than facing them.

What others have to say about Anabasis

"It contains a famous account of the mercenaries’ long trek (“the march of the 10,000”) from near Babylon to the Euxine (Black Sea) after Cyrus’s defeat at the Battle of Cunaxa (401 BC). Xenophon, who had accompanied the force in a private capacity, was largely responsible for their successful retreat through his resourcefulness and courage.

It is likely that the Anabasis, which was initially published under the pseudonym Themistogenes of Syracuse, was composed some 20 years after the events it describes. Textual evidence suggests that it was subsequently revised." From Brittanica

"Anabasis is a classic story of an army’s retreat from disaster, told by the man who was thrust into the role of saving it. Anabasis means “march inland from the coast,” which is a paradoxical title for a book that is mostly about a march to the coast from inland" From The Hoover Institute

Comparisons to other texts

While this march is of epic proportions this book is a history rather than an epic. It details more of the politics and the discussions than it does the fighting. By comparison, the Illiad is far more focused on the battles and the heroic actions undertaken in the fighting. but unlike the Illiad, the force is moving. First, they head inland to Babylon and then north to the sea and back to Greece. Also, they generally don't face opposing armies in battle after the first battle with the King.

It is much shorter and more readable than The Histories. It only has to cover the politics of one camp. It has far fewer conflicts and doesn't go into much detail about the battles. As such it doesn't get bogged down as often. In a way, these two texts tell the opposite story. The Histories tell of the Persian invasion of Greece and Anabasis the invasion of Persia by a Greek army.

Like The Peloponnesian War, the author lived through the conflict. But unlike it, the author himself is a major player rather than just a bit part. Due to this, we get a lot more speeches to the troops. As well as more discussions that lead to the decisions than we do in the Peloponnesian War.

Conclusion

Anabasis is a good read, giving us the original telling of the March of the 10,000. It gives us insight into a portion of the life of Xenophon. Showing us how armies with multiple generals could make command decisions. It details the hardship of being stranded without a benefactor. But it also shows the tenacity of the greek soldiers in getting home again.

Have you read Anabasis? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read Anabasis but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of Anabasis. 

The Knights through to the Franklins Tales; The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer

Why you might read The Canterbury Tales?

The Canterbury Tales is the most well-known work of Chaucer. And Chaucer is the father of English literature. So if you are going to read any of his work here is the place to start. No Self-Education project is complete without this classic. Be warned though it is rather long, and if you don't want to read middle English find a good translation.

Synopsis of The Canterbury Tales(Part 1)

Woven around the tales themselves is a meta-narrative of a group of pilgrims telling stories at the behest of their host.

The Knight's Tale:

Two knights are imprisoned and fall in love with the woman they see out of the prison window. One gets released, the other exiled. The exiled one sneaks back and enters the lady's service. They come across each other and duel for the lady. One is wounded and wins the lady. Before dying in his bed he tells her she should marry the other as he loves her.

The Miller's Tale:

Is a Bawdy tale of a wife who has an affair with the border. She is also desired by another who comes to her window and begs for a kiss. She agrees but presents her behind out the window which he kisses. He goes away angry and returns to beg for another kiss. This time the lover presents his behind but is branded with a hot iron for his troubles.                            

The Revee's Tale:

Is another Bawdy tale. This time of a miller who is dishonest. He cheats two students with their grain. They get revenge by sleeping with his wife.

The Cook's Tale:

A short fragment of an Apprentice cook who loses his job for womanising and gambling.

The Man of Law's Tale:

A Muslim sultan converts to Christianity to marry an Italian girl. His mother is livid and has all at a feast killed including the Sultan, but sparing the girl.

The girl is then sent back to Italy but is shipwrecked. Here she is courted by a suitor who she rebuffs. In anger, he then kills the local lord's wife and plants the knife on the girl. The trial acquits her but the Emperor who is the Judge then marries the girl. They have a son. but again the mother inlaw schemes. This time she gets the girl sent off to sea. When the Emperor comes home he kills his mother for having deprived him of his wife and son. Eventually, though he finds them in Rome and moves to England.

The Wife of Bath's Tale:

A young woman is raped by a knight. King Arthur wants him killed but Guinevere talks him into letting her sentence him. She gives him one year and a day to find out what a woman most wants. He searches the kingdom but every woman gives him a different answer. He eventually meets an old hag who says she will tell him if he promises to do what she asks. He returns to court and announces what a woman most want is sovereignty over their husband. All the women agree he is right and he is freed. the old woman demands he marry her, which he does grudgingly. once in bed she asks if he would rather have a young woman and he says it is her choice. with that he finds her changed into a young woman for he has given her that sovereignty.

The Friar's Tale:

A summoner meets a bailiff who turns out to be the devil. They make a pact to take whatever they can and share it. They come across a man with a stuck horse and cart. He says devil take it all and the summoner asks why the devil doesn't. He explains that the man doesn't mean it. The summoner tries to swindle a widow but she tells the devil to take him. He questions her intent and she says she means it so the devil takes the summoner to hell.

The Sompnour's Tale:

A friar on his deathbed is begged by two monks to make a donation to their order. He agrees to give them a jewel but it turns out to just be a fart.

The Clerk's Tale:

A Marquis marries a low-born woman and subjects her to horrible tests of love. these include the removal of their children and her demotion from wife to a maid. When she passes all the tests he proclaims his love and returns the children.

The Merchant's Tale:

A man marries for all the wrong reasons a young woman. His squire falls in love with her, and she reciprocates. They contrive to be together. By this time the man is old and blind. The squire waits in a tree in the garden and the young woman talks her way into going up the tree. The old man receives his sight back from the gods to find them in the tree having sex. But the young woman talks her way out of it by saying he is going mad,

The Squire's Tale:

This tale is incomplete. A king receives four magical gifts; A brass horse, a mirror, a sword and The speech of birds. The horse is incredibly fast and reliable. The mirror shows the future. The sword can cut through armour and heal wounds.

The Franklin's Tale:

A woman's husband is away at sea and a young man comes to love her. she promises to be with him if he removes the rocks from the shore. He manages this with a magic illusion. Her husband insists she must uphold her promise. But the young man releases her from the promise upon seeing her love for her husband.

Reflections on The Canterbury Tales(Part 1)

Tying the stories together with a meta-narrative is quite interesting. The stories themselves do not share any theme or anything else to tie them together. This makes one story out of what would have otherwise been a collections of short stories told as poems.

The incomplete tales tell us just enough to have us hooked and wishing we could know the rest of the story.

The back and forth between the storytellers show us the group dynamics. The group might be together on a pilgrimage but that doesn't mean they respect or like each other. We often see the roles reversed in stories that come after each other. This is based mostly on occupation. In fact, very little else is known about the storytellers other than their occupation.

What others have to say about The Canterbury Tales

"One of the reasons Chaucer is so important is that he made the decision to write in English and not French. In the centuries following the Norman invasion, French was the language spoken by those in power. The Canterbury Tales was one of the first major works in literature written in English." From the British Library

"Chaucer does not name himself in the General Prologue, but he is one of the characters who gather at the Tabard Inn. All of the descriptions of the pilgrims in the Prologue are narrated through the perspective of the character of Chaucer (which may or may not be the same as that of the author Chaucer)." From LitCharts

Comparisons with other texts

The Legend of Good Women is also a collection by Chaucer. It is much more compact and tells Chaucer's versions of stories of well-known women. By contrast, the Canterbury Tales is focused more on men. The Canterbury tales are a mix of well-known tales as well as more original ones. It is also held together by a meta-narrative rather than a theme. 

Like the Everyman and Miracle Plays we see a set of tales that tell us as much about the author and his times as they do about the stories themselves. The Everyman and Miracle Plays however have a biblical theme and a multitude of authors. By contrast, while priests and monks may be characters in the Tales the themes are not religious.

Conclusion

This first half of the Canterbury tales covered a variety of stories. These often invoke another pilgrim to tell a story in response. They are not linked by theme but rather by a meta-narrative told between each story. These tales come from a diverse group of pilgrims heading for Canterbury.

Have you read The Canterbury Tales? If so what did you think of it? 
 
Want to read The Canterbury Tales but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of The Canterbury Tales. 

In praise of a Spartan King; Agesilaus, Xenophon

 Why you might read Agesilaus?

Agesilaus is often seen as the first biography. It details the achievements of Agesilaus II. It is said to be one of Xenophon's lesser works. That should not overshadow its importance to the genre of biography. Nor should it diminish how it helps to round out the understanding of Xenophon's work. An easy read that strikes the balance between recording the truth and readability.

Synopsis of Agesilaus

Xenophon starts his tribute to Agesilaus by detailing his victories as the king. These start in the subduing of Asia against the Persians. He then finds himself recalled due to problems at home. Xenophon then details his victories around the greek sphere. He includes the victories not won by might but by cunning or diplomacy. Xenophon then moves on to the character of Agesilaus. He details how religious he was, even respecting the temples of foreign gods. He adds how trustworthy his word and oaths were. He describes his humility and simple lifestyle and contrasts it with the king of the Persians. He gives stories from Agesilaus' life to underline his point in all these things. Xenophobe finishes with a summary of his points. In this, he admits that this reads like a eulogy of only the high points. He then tries to assure the reader that this is really how Agesilaus was.

Reflections on Agesilaus

It is hard at first to see past Xenophon's praise. Everything seems to be perfect, all the battles won. Xenophon does directly address this at the end of the work. It is also worth noting that the victories are because of good management. That and not going to a battle that he could not win. That being said he was still willing to take a chance.

It is interesting how many categories Xenophon broke Agesilaus' character down into. He separates his humility from his religiosity from his trustworthiness. While he doesn't use the same examples they can be at times very similar. This can make it hard to remember the specifics of the text.

I thought that Xenophon's inclusion of what he calls his urbanity. The idea that this was a powerful man that still did the simple things. Things like small talk or talking over a friend's problems. It adds an interesting highlight to the painting of his character. I would think most biographical authors would find it superfluous. That being said its inclusion does round out the view of this great king of Sparta.

What others have to say about Agesilaus

"The Agesilaus (Greek: Ἀγησίλαος) is an account of the life of King Agesilaus II of Sparta by Xenophon, one of the earliest examples of biographical writing." From Tom Griffin

"The Agesilausis an odd work. It praises the Spartan king Agesilaus as the champion and defender of Greeks: the text is imbued with the highly politicised language of Greek-barbarian opposition." From a paper by Rosie Harman

Comparisons to other texts

Thucydides' History focuses on a war between the Greeks and Persia. It covers whichever kings and citizens were in power. By contrast, Agesilaus follows one king of Sparta. Agesilaus details the myriad of wars he fought over the course of his kingship. But it does start with his war against Persia. It also does so in a lot less detail and strikes a better balance between accuracy and readability. Agesilaus is set after Thucidides' History and is affected by its outcome. Finally, Thucudides' History covers the war in Greece. At the same time, Agesilaus takes the war to the Persians in Asia.

The Peloponnesian war covers Greeks at war with each other. Agesilaus covers many things, but it also covers some battles on the greek peninsula. The Peloponnesian war gives the hegemony we see here. This allows for collecting forces for the war in Persia to be led by Sparta. Agesilaus is written later and it is from that hegemony that we get the war in Asia.

Conclusion

Agesilaus reads like a eulogy and Xenophon even admits this late in the book. There is no doubting that Agesilaus was a great king of Sparta but the book is very one-sided on his greatness. Xenophon was a great friend of Agesilaus II and shows him in a very positive light. It covers both battles and Agesilaus' character to give a fairly complete view of his achievements. 

Have you read Agesilaus? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read Agesilaus but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of Agesilaus. 

A father and sons folly: The Wasps, Aristophanes

Why you might read The Wasps?

The Wasps is another one of Aristophanes' political comedies. You do not have to be in the know on Athenian politics to find some of this funny though. Aristophanes does a good job of giving you enough context for the jokes. It stands as another example of the older idea of comedy in my overall reading project. It can do the same in yours!

Synopsis of The Wasps

The Wasps starts with an old man and his son at war with each other. The old man wants to go and be a judge every day. The son wants the old man to stay home and take it easy. So he has imprisoned his father in the house. The old man is very cunning in his attempts to escape the house to go to court.

The wasps then arrive in the form of other aged men trying to take the father to the court. They are called wasps because they carry spears. This shows them to be men who have gone to war for Athens. There is no distinction made between being a soldier or a sailor. They try and help the old man escape but they are found out. 

Then The son decides to persuade his father of the folly of going to judge. He calls him the slave of those who pays him so little. He details the incomes of the city and then contrasts them with what his father is being paid. His father concedes and the Wasps agree and retreat. The father is then dressed in fine clothes and slippers and offered wine. At first, he refuses to muddle his mind for fear of what he might do. He is told by his son that no one cares what the rich do while drunk.

Finally, the old man starts getting into lots of trouble while drunk. He offends many and his son is left to smooth the waters behind him.

Reflections on The Wasps

I wonder if the son regrets telling his father that no one will rebuke the wealthy when they are drunk. It seems to me that the father is troublesome no matter what he is doing. Maybe the son should have let him be rather than have him ruin his reputation.

Near the beginning we are told of a prophecy told to the old man about him needing to judge or criminals will get off. At first, he seems to take this to heart. But when he argues with his son this seems quickly forgotten. This is especially true once the son has convinced him to let the son take care of him. 

The so-called wasps are one of the more interesting choruses we have seen. They identify themselves as wasps. The ones with spears and who have fought for Athens. They both help the old man state his case. As well as being convinced alongside him by the son.

What others have to say about The Wasps

"It is considered by some to be one of the world’s great comedies, and perhaps exemplifies the conventions of Old Comedy better than any other play. It pokes satirical fun at the Athenian demagogue Cleon and his power-base, the law courts," From Classical Literature

"First produced at the Lenaea festival of 422 BC, The Wasps is, probably, the sixth comedy written by Aristophanes and the fourth in chronological order of the eleven surviving ones. Just like a few other of his plays, it explores a conflict at the level of a single household to comment on the broader Athenian social or political situation." From Greek Mythology

Comparisons with other texts

The Wasps is a comedy on the political situation. Unlike Peace or Lysistrata it does not spill over into commentary on the Peloponnesian war. Instead, it deals with the internal governance of the city of Athens. This is in the form of satire about the internal court systems and those that are part of it. Like Peace or Lysistrata some of the jabs at people in power may be lost on the modern reader. Unless the reader has actually studied the war, which I haven't.

Unlike The Frogs, the animal in the title is a main part of the story. It is also explicitly explained in the text. In the Frogs, the frogs themselves are real frogs though they speak. By contrast, the wasps are men with some wasp-like characteristics.

Conclusion

 The Wasps is a political satire. It pokes fun at the judicial system of Athens as well as its leaders. While set during the Peloponnesian war it doesn't mention it. It is a tale of a doting son and a troublesome father. The Wasps do feature in this play in the form of a chorus of old men who work with the father. Some of the jokes and illusions may be lost on the modern reader. That, However, does not detract from its enjoyability. 

Have you read The Wasps? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read The Wasps but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of The Wasps. 

The Women Against Euripides; The Thesmophoriazusae, Aristophanes

 Why you might read The Thesmophoriazusae?

The Thesmophoriazusae is an interesting comedy. Where Aristophanes pokes fun at Euripides. It shows that irreverence for those who came before you could be played for laughs. While he pokes fun at euripides he does also show him as cunning. In this was Euripides is more positivly portrayed than in some of Aristophanes plays. It is an easy read and while it is a minor work it is a fun part of Aristophanes' collection.

Synopsis of The Thesmophoriazusae

The play begins with Euripides speaking with his father in law. They discuss the upcoming meeting of women. The women will discuss the punishment of Euripides. As they believe he has represented them negatively in his plays.

Euripides convinces his father in law to dress as a woman. So that he can infiltrate the meeting. The meeting is at the temple and if he is caught he will be punished severely.

Euripides shaves his father in law and dresses him in a robe and headdress. He then heads off to the meeting.

The meeting opens with prayers to the gods. These are a reminder of the consequences for revealing what happens at the meeting. Euripides' father in law starts to sweat. Then the proceedings start. The women describe how the plays of Euripedes have made their husbands suspicious. They claim that this is without cause. Then his father in law pipes up with tales of how women have done even worse. He argues that the playwright is going easy on them.

Then a man arrives with news that Euripides has sent a man to infiltrate the meeting. his father in law is found out and put under guard. 

Euripides arrives to try and free his father in law. They play a raft of characters but cannot convince the guard. Then Euripides goes away and comes back dressed as an old woman with a young girl. The guard takes a shine to the girl and takes her away for sex, trusting the old woman to guard the prisoner.

Euripides frees his father in law and they flee. The guard returns and finds them gone and chases after them. 

Reflections on The Thesmophoriazusae

This play ends in what feels like a rather odd place. I expected more about them fleeing or consequences avoided. It feels a little odd to end with them getting away with it but not succeeding in what they were trying to do. But the women do know who it was. Although they escape at the end of the play they still have to live in the same city as the women they have wronged.

The audacity of the plan of Euripides' is rather on the nose. It stinks of someone who doesn't want to pay the consequences for his actions. He possibly also believes his version of women is justified. He at no point agrees with the accusations. It is also interesting that he convinces his father in law to do the deed. He does not even seem to think of going himself or convincing someone more closely related.

The lack of modesty around how they find out Euripides' father in law is a bit on the nose to a modern reader. They just have a look at his equipment. Which clears up the deception pretty quickly.

What others have to say about The Thesmophoriazusae

"The play develops from Euripides’ discovery that the women of Athens, angered by his constant attacks upon them in his tragedies, mean to discuss during their coming festival (the Thesmophoria) the question of contriving his death." From Britannica

"Although written at the time of Athens' war with Sparta, the Thesmophoriazusae is seen as the least political of Aristophanes' plays." From World History Encyclopedia

Comparisons with other Texts

In this play, Euripides is one of the two main characters. Unlike The Frogs where he is more of a minor player. Also in this play, Aristophanes is more positive about the playwright than he is in The Frogs. In the Frogs, Euripides is found to be only the third-best tragic playwright in Hades. Whereas here it is his cunning and the recitation of parts of his plays that saves the day.

This play used Euripides as a character. It even uses lines from his plays. I am unsure how true to character Euripides is in this play. There is little else in common between his works and this play. He himself was a tragedist. This play, as with all of Aristophanes work, is comedy.

Like the Assemblywomen, this play involves soemone in disguess as the opposite sex. This deception is to gain entry into a gender specific forum. In this case the man is found out. By contrast The Assmeblywomen get away with it and swing the vote towards their desired outcome.

Conclusion

This is a light hearted play, that pokes fun at Euripides and his tragedies. It is Arisophanes' least political play. It makes little direct comment about the state of affairs. Euripides is cast as a medling but brilliant instigator. His father in lawis cast as the semi-willing patsy. In all a bit of fun if minor play in Aristophanes' repotoir. 

Have you read The Thesmophoriazusae? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read The Thesmophoriazusae but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

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