The Wasps

Question 1

1. Wider understanding

Answer 1

Aristophanes is bias of Cleon so we do not truly know who he is like. Before the play there was a plague and war people tired etc

Question 2

2. Relationship

Answer 2

Role reversal between Philocleon and Bdeycleon

Question 3

3. Typical Athenian dad and son relationship

Answer 3

Father looks after the son
Acts as kyrios
Main breadwinner
Disciplines son
Introduces son to society, e.g. politics, symposia, religion.

Question 4

4. Father-son relationship in the play

Answer 4

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

Question 5

5. Bdeycleon trying to cure and help Philocleon. For his own safety

Answer 5

“So he tried all the usual treatments for madness.”

or

“He tried talking to him, he tried all kinds of arguments…”

Question 6

6. How to interact at a symposium

Answer 6

“Just recline gracefully”,

Question 7

7. symposium role reversal

Answer 7

Bdelycleon instructs Philocleon on what to wear “Take off that tattered old cloak and put on this gown”, how to walk “…with an elegant, affluent swagger”, how to talk to other attendees “…you’ll have to be able to produce a refined anecdote”, how to lie on the couches “Just recline gracefully”, the order of events “Now we eat…now wash hands again…now a libation”, and how to participate in the games after dinner “Can you take up the singing when it comes to your turn?”.

Question 8

8. Bdeycleon quote about paying people to stop them from charging Philocleon

Answer 8

“I’ll gladly pay you whatever you want for compensation”

Question 9

9. What does Philocleon do after the symposium

Answer 9

ruin bakery-women goods, assaulting/pranking reveller, getting drunk at the symposium, kidnapping flute girl