Drama and the Sophists Flashcards
What is the title of the play written by Aristophanes that mocks Socrates and the sophists?
Clouds
First presented in 423 at the Great Dionysia, revised c. 419.
In what genre is Aristophanes’ Clouds classified?
Comedy
What significant theme does Clouds address?
Satire of the sophists and their behavior
How is Socrates characterized in Clouds?
As a leading sophist
Which philosopher suggests in Apology that Clouds contributed to negative perceptions of Socrates?
Plato
Who is the main character in Clouds that seeks to resolve his debts through rhetoric?
Strepsiades
What is the name of Strepsiades’ son in Clouds?
Pheidippides
What does Strepsiades send his son to learn at the ‘Phrontisterion’?
Rhetoric
Fill in the blank: The ‘Phrontisterion’ is also known as the ‘_______’.
Thinkery
What do the clouds in Clouds represent?
Patron deities of the new learning
What leads to Strepsiades burning down the Thinkery?
He feels tricked by the new learning
What does Pheidippides argue after learning rhetoric?
Children may beat their parents
True or False: Socrates charged for his teachings according to Clouds.
False
How does the portrayal of Socrates in Clouds differ from historical accounts?
He is depicted as a school teacher who charges for services, which he did not do.
What does the final scene of Clouds reveal about the clouds?
They are agents of the traditional gods who punish arrogance.
