Aristophanes Waspa

Question 1

Bdelycleon role (ANTI CLEON)

Answer 1

1. ACTS LIKE A PARENT - RESPONSIBLE FOR FAMILY
2. Locks Philocleon in the house for his own safety
3. Calms down Philocleon’s tantrums
4. Main breadwinner and takes responsibility for the oikos
5. Teaches him how to act at a symposium
6. Rescues Philocleon after the symposium

Question 2

Philocleon role

Answer 2

1. acts like the son
2. is not the main breadwinner
3. does not look after oikos
4. obsessed with juror duty
5. manipulated by law courts and corrupted influence of demagogues and Cleon
6. philoclean (lover of cleon/pro cleon)

Question 3

Philocleon realising the scam of his jury pay

Answer 3

“But that means—our pay doesn’t even amount to ten per cent of the national income.”

Question 4

how to act in a symposium

Answer 4

“recline gracefully”, “with an elegant, affluent swagger”, “take off that tattered old cloak and put on this gown”

Question 5

philocleon disease

Answer 5

“you see? he suffers from very peculiar disease?”

Question 6

bdelycleon points out how much of govt money goes to those in power

Answer 6

“Not even the tenth part of the public revenue comes to us, as our fee!”

Question 7

what slave had to do to keep philcleon imprisoned

Answer 7

“So we covered the whole hall with nets round about, and keep guard.”

Question 8

bdelycleon pointing out the point of philcleon

Answer 8

You are a slave and you don’t even realise it

Question 9

power

power dynamics and social inequality of higher ranks have more infleucen and lower has less

Answer 9

“Well isn’t it slavery when these men, and their cronies, all hold executive posts, while you’re over the moon with your three obols?” “Furthermore, you’re entirely at their beck and call.”

Question 10

Power

point of view of why they are inferior

Answer 10

Aristophanes points out the despite looking like they have power, the jurors are being led by the demagogues. The demagogues give the jurors just enough to keep them loyal and poor enough that they needthe demagogues. The jurors are getting less than they are due.

Question 11

Power

The demagogues keep the jurors wanting more so they can use them

Answer 11

“…just think how rich you’d be if it
wasn’t for this gang of demagogues who keep you
trapped…” “They want you to be poor…they’re training
you to know the hand that feeds you.” “they let you
loose on some enemy or other…”

Question 13

Advantages of bdrlycleon

Answer 13

Bdelycleon’s
identity as a good citizen of Athens, and a good member of an oikos (as he is upholding key social values by looking after Philocleon).