Why Did Aeschylus and Euripides Attack Each Other?
The Frogs is a notable literary work by Aristophanes. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Frogs.
Answer
Why did Aeschylus and Euripides attack each other? What was the result?
Or, How did Dionysus resolve the dispute between Aeschylus and Euripides? [NU: 2014, 16] ★★★
In “The Frogs” (405 BCE), Aristophanes (c. 446–386 BCE) presents a famous poetic debate between Aeschylus and Euripides in the Underworld. Both poets attack each other to prove their superiority in art. Dionysus, acting as a judge, finally settles their dispute wisely.
Reason for the Conflict: Aeschylus and Euripides quarrel over the title of the greatest tragic poet. Aeschylus once held the seat of honor in Pluto’s hall. But Euripides, after his death, claims that he deserves it. Their fight reflects two opposite ideas of art. Aeschylus believes in noble and moral poetry. Euripides believes in realistic and clever expression.
Aeschylus’s Attack on Euripides: Aeschylus attacks Euripides for corrupting Greek drama. He says,
“Because of him our city here / is crammed with … apes, / who always cheat our people.”
He believes that Euripides’ plays teach people deceit rather than virtue. He claims,
“My poetry did not die with me, / but his did once he died.”
His words defend heroic values, faith, and discipline. Aeschylus embodies ancient wisdom and moral fortitude. His attack shows his deep love for truth and his dislike for false cleverness in art.
Euripides’s Attack on Aeschylus: Euripides also mocks Aeschylus for using grand and pompous language. He says,
“When I … took this art of plays from you, / crammed with bombast to the gills. / … I … reduced its weight.”
He claims that he made drama simple and realistic. Euripides believes his characters are human and natural. However, his ideas also show pride and narrowness.
Dionysus’s Final Judgment: When both poets fail to convince him, Dionysus decides to test them. He weighs their poetry on a scale and finds Aeschylus’s verses “weightier.” Finally, he asks each poet for advice to save Athens.