Maeve Tischbein Was the problem of lots of beggar children a real problem at the time? For what what context would Jonathan Swift written his " 'Modest' Proposal"?
Was The Knights written not just to attack the political leaders of the time, but also other countries and peoples? The description of Phaplagon seems very insulting to some countries. Does this reflect attitudes towards those peoples?
Jordann, I believe the chorus is a group of knights. Often plural names as the title of Greek plays indicate the composition of the chorus. Knights here is a social term for a wealthy upper class group in Athenian society--it has nothing to do with medieval knights. These upper class "knights" like the main characters Nicias and Demosthenes are threatened by the newly rich and newly powerful Kleon/Cleon, whom they denounce as a lowly leather merchant and whose flattering of the common lower class people they criticize.
Maeve, Yes, it was. Political satire generally needs a valid connection to the real world in order to work.
Erin, Certainly the Athenians as many Greeks often looked down on other ethnic groups. Here Cleon is mocked by calling Paphlagonian. I think it is not known for sure if he was indeed (part) Paphlagonian. Certainly Athenians were supposed to be born of two Athenian citizens, but there were sometimes exceptions, and some politicians faced slander because of having some foreign blood in their ancestry.
Shannon, Not that I know of. Writings of the early modern era often invent mythical countries to expound their hypothetical beliefs. Obviously it would have offended some conservatives, even if they understood the satirical intent. There are always people who are too "good" for such stuff.
Katie Burke
ReplyDeleteIn the Modest Proposal, Swift refers to 'his American friend' who would give him ideas or assurance. Is Swift poking fun at Americans as well?
Katie,
ReplyDeleteYes.
AR
Jordann Markowitz
ReplyDeleteIs the chorus in "The Knights" a type of oracle or a narrator? Or do they represent something completely different?
Maeve Tischbein
ReplyDeleteWas the problem of lots of beggar children a real problem at the time? For what what context would Jonathan Swift written his " 'Modest' Proposal"?
Erin Bradley
ReplyDeleteWas The Knights written not just to attack the political leaders of the time, but also other countries and peoples? The description of Phaplagon seems very insulting to some countries. Does this reflect attitudes towards those peoples?
Shannon Potts
ReplyDeleteIs Formosa a real place? (in Swift's "Modest Proposal") What might have been the public reaction to Swift's "Proposal", even seen as satire?
Zander
ReplyDeleteI don't really have any questions for the reading, but I thought that the modest proposal was very funny.
Jordann,
ReplyDeleteI believe the chorus is a group of knights. Often plural names as the title of Greek plays indicate the composition of the chorus. Knights here is a social term for a wealthy upper class group in Athenian society--it has nothing to do with medieval knights. These upper class "knights" like the main characters Nicias and Demosthenes are threatened by the newly rich and newly powerful Kleon/Cleon, whom they denounce as a lowly leather merchant and whose flattering of the common lower class people they criticize.
Maeve,
Yes, it was. Political satire generally needs a valid connection to the real world in order to work.
Erin,
Certainly the Athenians as many Greeks often looked down on other ethnic groups. Here Cleon is mocked by calling Paphlagonian. I think it is not known for sure if he was indeed (part) Paphlagonian. Certainly Athenians were supposed to be born of two Athenian citizens, but there were sometimes exceptions, and some politicians faced slander because of having some foreign blood in their ancestry.
Shannon,
Not that I know of. Writings of the early modern era often invent mythical countries to expound their hypothetical beliefs. Obviously it would have offended some conservatives, even if they understood the satirical intent. There are always people who are too "good" for such stuff.
Zander,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Swift is one of the great satirists of all time.
AR