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44 pages 1 hour read

The Clouds

Fiction | Play | Adult | BCE

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Book Brief

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Aristophanes

The Clouds

Fiction | Play | Adult | BCE
Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Athens, Greece • 5th Century BC

Publication Year

-423

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Clouds, Strepsiades, burdened by his son Pheidippides' debts, enrolls himself in Socrates' school, the Thinkery, to learn sophistry and evade his creditors. After struggling with the studies, Strepsiades forces Pheidippides to join, succeeding in outsmarting the creditors but facing unforeseen consequences when his son adopts violent tendencies, leading to a climactic confrontation. Coarse sexual humor and language, including an offensive anti-gay slur, are present in the text.

Humorous

Playful

Mysterious

Informative

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Aristophanes' The Clouds receives mixed reviews for its biting satire of Athenian society and intellectuals, particularly Socrates. Critics praise its clever humor and insightful critique. However, some argue that the humor does not always translate well to modern audiences, and its dense language can be challenging. Overall, it's lauded for its historical significance and wit.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Clouds?

Potential readers of The Clouds by Aristophanes are those who appreciate classical Greek literature, satire, and critiques of philosophical thought. Similar to fans of Plato's Republic or Juvenal's Satires, they enjoy intellectual humor and the exploration of character flaws and societal issues through comedic dialogue.

Character List

Strepsiades

Aged and unworldly, Strepsiades is determined to find a way to escape the financial burdens caused by his son’s expensive habits. His attempts to solve the problem lead him to Socrates and the Thinkery.

A central figure in the play, Socrates is depicted as the head of the Thinkery, a place where unconventional and questionable teachings are offered. His character offers a fictional, exaggerated take on the historical Socrates.

Pheidippides is the son of Strepsiades, known for his extravagant love of horses, which strains their family's finances. Under pressure from his father, he reluctantly becomes a pupil at the Thinkery.

The Chorus consists of Clouds, who serve as figures of guidance and reflection throughout the play. They embody the presence and influence of the traditional gods within the narrative.

A personified Argument representing traditional values and ethics, Right stands in stark contrast to Wrong during their debate. He symbolizes adherence to the customs and virtues of Athens’ past.

Another personified Argument, Wrong embodies the new, morally flexible teachings of the Thinkery. His debate with Right showcases the rhetorical prowess that challenges conventional beliefs.

A younger creditor of Strepsiades, who becomes frustrated with his inability to recover the money owed to him. He is characterized by his exaggerated manner of expression influenced by Attic Tragedy conventions.

Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Athens, Greece • 5th Century BC

Publication Year

-423

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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