Narrate the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides in “The Frogs.”

Answer

Narrate the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides in “The Frogs.” [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★

Or, Bring out the dramatic significance of the debate scene in “The Frogs.” [NU: 2019]

Or, Summarize the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides. [NU: 2022]   

“The Frogs” (405 BCE), written by Aristophanes (c. 446–386 BCE), is one of the finest comedies in Greek literature. It was written when Athens was weak after the Peloponnesian War. The play’s most famous part is the literary debate between Aeschylus and Euripides in the Underworld. Aristophanes uses this debate to judge two great tragic poets. It reflects the poet’s role in improving society and saving Athens.

Beginning of the Contest: The contest takes place in Pluto’s palace in Hades. The Chorus announces that Euripides wants to take Aeschylus’s chair, which is reserved for the best tragic poet. Pluto allows a debate to decide who deserves it. Dionysus becomes the judge. Aeschylus and Euripides enter, each confident of victory. The atmosphere is both serious and comic. Aristophanes mixes argument and laughter beautifully. This opening sets the stage for a debate full of wit, logic, and poetic pride.

Euripides’s Claims: Euripides argues that he improved tragedy. He says, 

“When I … took this art of plays from you, 

 crammed with bombast to the gills. 

 … I … reduced its weight.”

He believes he made the plays more natural and realistic. His heroes and heroines speak in everyday language. He claims, 

“I taught them to think, 

 … to understand, to love new twists 

and double dealing,” 

He thinks his plays make people clever. But his words also show that he taught Athenians to be doubtful and tricky.

Aeschylus’s Reply: Aeschylus strongly defends the greatness of old tragedy. He says, 

“My poetry did not die with me, / but his did once he died.” 

He believes his plays were noble