Aristophanes and the Definition of Comedy

by M. S. Silk

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198140290
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/25/2001
Pages:	462
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 5.50(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

King's College, University of London

Table of Contents

1. Three Openings2. Comedy and Tragedy3. Language and Style4. The Lesson of the Lyric Poetry5. Character and Characterization6. Causal Sequences and Other Patterns7. Serious Issues and 'Serious Comedy'8. Mode, Meaning, and Assessment

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher