Frogs terms + context

Question 1

Katabasis

Answer 1

A hero’s death-defying journey to the underworld, Aristophanes comically presents this through Dionysus’ silly descent to the Underworld.

Question 2

Peloponnesian War

Answer 2

It was a time of political uncertainty, Athens was not guaranteed to lose the war yet there was a high likelihood of failure, Aristophanes took a large risk in suggesting the return of Alcibiades and the oligarchic exiles of 411.

Question 3

who?

Alcibiades
“My first question…

Answer 3

A strategic advisor, military commander, and politician known for his promiscuity and constantly switching allegiances, weakening Sparta and simultaneously helped the Persians and the Athenians. He was re-elected, causing political unrest.
concerns Alcibiades… The city’s a mess.”

Question 4

How was Aristophanes taken seriously?

Answer 4

• There is evidence to believe that the play was performed a second time, after taking first prize it had to be re-honoured.
• The exiles of 411 were recalled, though they could have been members of the Thirty Tyrants, murdered around 1500 people.

Question 5

The Lenea

Answer 5

Dramatic festivals which took place in January and March, in which three poets would compete, Frogs was first shown here. The battle between Aeschylus and Euripides.