Frogs, Xanthias Flashcards
Show that Xanthias is self referential to comedy
“should I tell one of the usual, sir? One the audience always laugh at?” - Praeteritio- saying something that you don’t want to say- saying it without saying it.
“any of that stuff you see in Phrynichus’ plays… always have baggage-handling routines in their comedies”
“no mention of me”- Xanthias wants to be referenced as an up-and-coming tragedian
“Attatai!!!!!….Atta-at what time will the festival of Heracles in Diomea take place?”
Show that Xanthias is vulgar
“I’ve such a load that if I can’t relieve myself, I’ll fart it all away”
“By the gods, the only mystery is why I am such an ass carrying all this”
“I am afraid your tunic’s turned brown from fright”
“Your heart’s not down there, is it?”- phallic
Show that Xanthias is hubristic
“then I could tell you to bugger off”
“scared that your a maniac”
“you ridiculous fool”
“You are the most cowardly of gods- and men.”
“If he is a god, he won’t feel it”- ref Bacchae as not sure if he is a god
Show that Xanthias is the more powerful in the relationship between he and Dionysus
“You’re dressed like Heracles. Now act like him”
“get up quickly before someone sees you”- use of imperative and embarrassed.
“this slave will accompany me and bring my things”- calling D his slave
“I know what you’re thinking and you can stop it now”
“Take him away and torture him”
Show that Xanthias creates a sense of fun for the audience
“Not Heracles, but Xanthacles!”
“tell those dancing girls inside that the boss is coming”
“I need a witness! I appeal to the gods”
“Don’t hit him with a leek- not even a little one”
Show that Xanthias shows the idea of Slave Talk
“All he cares about is boozing and bonking”
“And what about having a grumble when you get outside after a sound beating?”
“And a bit of snooping”
“Then passing on the gossip to outsiders?”
