SOURCE: Dover, K. J. “Acharnians.” In Aristophanic Comedy, pp. 78-88. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1972.

In the following essay, Dover discusses pertinent aspects for consideration in productions of the Acharnians, including a discussion about the theme of war as it is addressed in the play.

Synopsis

The Peloponnesian War has lasted for nearly six years, and during that time the population of Attica has been concentrated within the perimeter of Athens, Peiraieus and the walls connecting the two. Their farms have been burned and their vines and olive-trees cut down by invading Peloponnesian armies each summer; but control of the seas and the coasts by Athenian naval power has not been impaired or even effectively challenged. In this situation an Athenian farmer, Dikaiopolis, has decided that he would rather be at peace than at war, and he has come to the assembly to make as much fuss as...