Synopses & Reviews
In this book Professor Silk presents a radically new critical study of Aristophanes. 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.
Review
"Unrivalled for its originality and excellence. This study puts flesh--indeed muscles--on the bones of the numerous other studies of the so-called Old Comedy which appeared during the last decade of the previous century. None matches the imagination, breadth and depth of Silk's study."--Erich Segal, Times Literary Supplement
"This is a valuable book. Silk has made us think about a number of important points, the uniqueness of Aristophanes, the astonishing versatility of his comic genius, the very nature of comedy itself and its symbiotic relationship with tragedy. Most valuable of all is the light that Silk sheds on Aristophanes' words and expressions."--Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Table of Contents
1. Three Openings
2. Comedy and Tragedy
3. Language and Style
4. The Lesson of the Lyric Poetry
5. Character and Characterization
6. Causal Sequences and Other Patterns
7. Serious Issues and 'Serious Comedy'
8. Mode, Meaning, and Assessment