The Wasps: Analysis of Setting
"The Wasps" is a comedic play by Aristophanes that critiques Athenian society, particularly the legal system and its influence on citizens. The setting is primarily outside the home of Bdelycleon, whose name translates to "Cleon hater," symbolizing his opposition to the tyrannical figure of Cleon. The outdoor space serves as a stage for social commentary, illustrating the dichotomy between the old jurors, who resemble wasps with their aggressive judicial behavior, and Bdelycleon's attempts to reform his father, Philocleon, a staunch supporter of the existing legal practices. The house is depicted as a space of confinement for Philocleon, who is kept from joining his peers in the public sphere, emphasizing the tension between personal beliefs and societal expectations.
The mock trial of a dog staged by Bdelycleon further mirrors the absurdity of Athenian trials, drawing attention to the often arbitrary nature of justice in the city. The chorus of old jurors adds a communal voice, reflecting the collective mindset that Bdelycleon seeks to challenge. The conclusion of the play, with Philocleon emerging to engage in a dance contest, symbolizes the struggle between tradition and change, as well as the ongoing conflict between old and new generations in Athens. The setting thus serves not just as a backdrop but as a critical element in exploring themes of justice, authority, and societal values within the context of ancient Greece.
The Wasps: Analysis of Setting
First produced:Sphēkes, 422 b.c.e. (English translation, 1812)
Type of work: Drama
Type of plot: Satire
Time of work: Fifth century b.c.e.
Places Discussed
Athens street
Athens street. Street scene outside the home of Bdelycleon (whose name means “Cleon hater”), where two slaves stand guard. They explain that their master is holding his old father, Philocleon (“Cleon lover”), captive inside the house to keep him from joining the other old jurors who follow the philosophy of the ruling tyrant Cleon by daily sentencing anyone brought before them, especially political prisoners. A chorus of old jurors, resembling wasps because of the way they “sting the accused,” come to call for their colleague. The house is covered with a net, and although Philocleon attempts to escape by chewing through the net, he is restrained. To placate his father, Bdelycleon stages a mock trial of a dog. The dog, accused of stealing cheese, is tried in front of the house in much the same manner as all Athenian trials were staged outdoors and open to the public.
House of Bdelycleon
House of Bdelycleon (DEH-lih-klee-on). As a final gesture in changing the attitudes of his father, Bdelycleon takes him inside his house to introduce him to elite society. The audience does not see this indoor scene, but listens instead to the chorus of Wasps, being told about how the old man is insulting everyone inside. Soon Philocleon returns outdoors—to the proper location for action in a Greek play—with a young woman entertainer and challenges his old colleagues to a dance contest as the play ends.
Bibliography
Aristophanes. Wasps. Edited and translated by Alan H. Sommerstein. Warminster, Wiltshire, England: Aris and Phillips, 1983. Provides scholarly introduction, bibliography, Greek text, facing English translation, and commentary keyed to the translation. Sommerstein’s translation supersedes most earlier versions.
Dover, K. J. Aristophanic Comedy. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1972. Useful and authoritative study of the plays of Aristophanes. Chapter 9 provides a synopsis of the play, discussion of problems with theatrical production, a discussion of the character of Philocleon, and relevant information on the Athenian courts. An essential starting point for study of the play.
Harriott, Rosemary M. Aristophanes: Poet and Dramatist. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1986. A recent study of all the plays of Aristophanes. The plays are discussed not in individual chapters but as each illustrates the central themes and techniques of Aristophanes’ work.
Spatz, Lois. Aristophanes. Boston: Twayne, 1978. A reliable introduction to the comedy of Aristophanes for the general reader. Chapter 4 summarizes the play and offers discussion of the plot and the major themes.
Whitman, Cedric. Aristophanes and the Comic Hero. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1964. A standard work on the characterization of the Aristophanic protagonist. Chapter 4 discusses The Wasps, with special emphasis on the generational conflict depicted by the play.