1 of 8

Greek Comedy

Cindy Bae, Elizabeth De La Cruz, Klefy Kochumon, and Lauren Mondroski

2 of 8

What is Comedy??

Depending on interpretation and how it's performed, a Greek comedy is funny by means of making fun of politicians, other artists, broad humor, innuendos, and other elements, as well as containing some type of message and usually a happy ending.

3 of 8

What did Comedy look like?

Greek comedy started with parados, or a chorus of usually twenty-four performing a songs as well as a dance routine. Along with their singing and dancing they wore eye catching, extravagant costumes. The second phase would be agon, which involved debate and included improvisation. Parabis is the third stage this included the chorus to speak directly to the audience. All performers were male, even the chorus. There was one main actor, and two other actors, and occasionally another individual to play a non instrumental part.

4 of 8

What’s the difference?

  • New Comedy
    • 320 - mid-3rd century BCE
    • satires of contemporary Athenian society
    • Fictional averge citizens and no heroic overtones
    • Chorus is no longer as important
    • Menander

​

​

  • Old Comedy
    • 5th century BCE
    • satires of public figures and affairs
    • Characterized by:
      • parodos: entry of the chorus
      • agon: the contest
      • a ritualized debate between opposing principles
      • parabis: important ode by the chorus
      • a series of farcical events
      • a final banquet or wedding

5 of 8

Who was Aristophanes?

Aristophanes was the greatest writer in Greek comedies who lived

in around late fifth century BC. Although comedy was not

popular compare to tragedy, his works was favored by many Greeks.

He portrayed and mocked many parts of the societies.

Ex) Criticized Socrates from Clouds.

He also portrayed his opinion during the chaotic times of Peloponnesian War, questioning the wisdom of democracy, contributing to causing the change in the Greek world.

One of his famous works include Lysistrata, which is a domestic comedy that is still popular to this day.

6 of 8

Who was Menander?

  • Menander (342-292 BCE) is an Athenian dramatist who was considered by ancient critics as the supreme poet of Greek New Comedy.
  • His works were adapted by Roman writers Plautus and Terance.
  • Famous works include:
    • Dyscolus
    • Perikeiromenē
    • Second Adelphoe

7 of 8

Video

An Introduction to Greek Comedy and Satyr Drama

​

8 of 8

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menander

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/374651/Menander

http://www.ancient.eu/Greek_Comedy/

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/426870/Old-Comedy

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/411281/New-Comedy

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/video/an-introduction-to-greek-comedy-and-satyr-drama

Snodgrass, Mary. "Aristophanes." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2015. Web. 30 Jan. 2015.

​