The Acharnians, Part 2 Summary

(p. 21 - 41) The Chorus of Acharnians (old but vital men) comes on, speaking in angry verse of their search for the traitor who negotiated peace with Sparta and who has escaped them. Their verse is interrupted by the arrival of Dikaiopolis and his family, who begin a religious rite celebrating peace. The ritual is in turn interrupted by the Acharnians, who confront Dikaiopolis about his peace declaration. He sends his family back into his house for safety, and then confronts the Chorus with his belief that the Spartans are not the only ones to blame for the conflict with the Acharnians. The Acharnians react angrily, but Dikaiopolis convinces them to let him plead the Spartan case.

Suddenly concerned about how his speech will be perceived (see "Quotes," p. 28 and "Characters - Cleon"), Dikaiopolis visits the home of renowned playwright...