Study Questions and Suggested Essay Topics
To which genre of drama does Aristophanes's The Clouds belong?
Can The Clouds be said to be a religious play? What role does religion play in the drama?
How does The Clouds conform to the standard model of Greek comedies in general? How does it conform to Aristophanes's comedic model in particular?
Suggested Essay Topics
Scholars consider the extant version of The Clouds to be an unfinished revision. Consider whether you believe the play to feel "unfinished" or not. Examine each position.
Discuss the role of the chorus. Discuss the chorus's role both as a god-like figure and as a mouthpiece for Aristophanes.
Compare and contrast ancient and modern stereotypes about the figure of the "Intellectual." Use modern books, magazines, TV, and cinema. What is different? What remains the same?
Discuss Strepsiades's status in the play. Is he a hero? A tragic hero? An anti- hero? A tragic anti-hero?
Discuss the role of money in this play. What does it do in this play? What values (or lack of values) does it connote?
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