Ruffell, I. A. (2018) Stop making sense: the politics of Aristophanic madness. Illinois Classical Studies, 43(2), pp. 326-350. (doi: 10.5406/illiclasstud.43.2.0326)
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Abstract
This paper discusses the use of madness in Aristophanic Comedy, and in particular how it is used as a means of evaluating and interrogating political interventions. The well-known theme of madness in Aristophanes's Wasps provides the frame. Interpreting Philocleon's madness has proved problematic because the complexity of comic madness has been under-estimated. Against negative models of madness that dominate in tragedy and in political discourse, madness in comedy can be not only a means of interrogating ideological and political norms, but also a constructive and even heroic form of behavior, which draws on epic and religious associations. Bdelycleon's attempt to cure his father removes the positive substance and political value that anchors his father's insanity, which leads to the aporetic finale.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Additional Information: | Special issue, "Morbid Laughter", edited by G. Kazantzidis and N. Tsoumpra. |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Ruffell, Professor Isabel |
Authors: | Ruffell, I. A. |
College/School: | College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Classics |
Journal Name: | Illinois Classical Studies |
Journal Abbr.: | ICS |
Publisher: | University of Illinois Press |
ISSN: | 0363-1923 |
ISSN (Online): | 2328-5265 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois |
First Published: | First published in Illinois Classical Studies 43(2):326-350 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher |
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