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Alexandra Lutkus

10/29/15
Special Topics in Ancient Comedy
Professor McAlhany

Menander vs. Aristophanes:


Who seems More or Less engaged with The real world?
The more often we see the things around us - even the beautiful and wonderful things the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this
world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds - even those we love. Because we see things so
often, we see them less and less. -Joseph B. Wirthlin. When I came across this quote, it
immediately made me think of this paper. The more often you see things and experience them, is
it true that you see them less and less? Is it possible that it can warp your perception and heart so
you no longer get any joy from things you once held dear to you? Menanders plays more often
than not, have the same underlying theme. Something bad and shock worthy happens to the main
characters and yet you know the story because you have read them before. Is it then possible
that Menander experienced these things himself so he saw them less and less shocking. That he
pulled away from the world and only saw sadness and hard times? In comparison to
Aristophanes comedies I am unsure if Menander is more or less engaged.
Menander writes more typical stories that one could hear over gossip at brunch but does
that mean he is more engaged with the world or lost from it? In The Girl from Samos, the main
character Moschion begins to explain the story and his background on page 45 of the book.
Moschion is the adopted son of Demeas and he is in love with Plangon, a girl he believes his

father will never approve of because she does not posses a great deal of money, Whats more, I
promised I would marry her. My father wont, Im sure, agree to this; Hell want me to accept a
wealthier bride (page 45). He is so sure and yet, later on page 52, his father suggest that he
should marry Plangon, And I am going to suggest a match Which would please me and satisfy
you too. What would you say to taking as your bride Our neighbours daughter, Plangon (page
52). Menander does not seem less engaged but confusing. He will write one thing and then
change it completely with no hint as to why? Of course characters develop and morph over time,
but with dialogue and action leading up to it. In other books we have read, the authors style
differs in many ways compared to Menander.
The comedies of Aristophanes are a labyrinth of questions and make believe but is that
not what the real world is? For example, do you ever really know a person or just what they
allow you to see? The real world itself is not just mundane and crazy like Menander but full of
unanswered questions and adventures waiting to happen like in Aristophanes. The paths not yet
taken but sought after, the road less traveled and unknown but can lead you anywhere, and all
that jazz. Arent we all just searching for our own real world? In The Birds, people were
changed into birds and fought to achieve their own world, their own Utopia. Yes, in the world we
live in today, I have yet to see a man bird but for the sake of argument who says there arent any?
From the birds perspective that was their reality, it was their world. In The Clouds, no one
thought it was strange to have clouds talking back to them, or regard them with respect normally
saved for the gods because it was engaged and a norm for their world. No matter how
compassionate or understanding you are from your perception, isnt the world yours? You live,
breathe, cry and dream so in a way, isnt the real world based off of your ideas, thoughts, and
beliefs and if not whose rules do you follow? I guess the point I am trying to make is, the world

means and is interpreted differently by every living creature on this earth. In my opinion both are
more or less engaged with the world. Aristophanes represents more so the dreams and fantasy
that seems to be fading from this world but not the reality. Now a days people seem more
interested in their phones then going out into the world and losing themselves to their dreams. I
believe they both need each other to create the real world. Both are engaged and have their
places and flaws. In my opinion it is all a matter of perception and what kind of world you want
to see. If I have to chosse, I believe Menander is less engaged because I would prefer to be
surrounded by fantasy and what I can create in Aristophanes world versus Menander whose
world doesnt seem real to me.

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