The Acharnians: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Acharnians" is a comedic play by Aristophanes that explores themes of war, peace, and the contrasting perspectives of its characters. Central to the narrative is Dicaeopolis, an Athenian farmer who embodies the desire for peace amidst the ongoing conflict with Sparta. His character, whose name translates to "honest citizen," highlights the struggle of individuals affected by war, as he seeks to establish a separate peace agreement and open trade with enemies. Dicaeopolis stands in stark contrast to Lamachus, a militaristic general unwavering in his commitment to fight, whose eventual misfortune underscores the folly of his bravado.
The play also features a range of secondary characters that add depth to its commentary on the wartime plight. Euripides, a tragic poet, provides Dicaeopolis with attire to evoke sympathy from the Acharnians, while Amphitheus, claiming immortality, illustrates the toll of war on personal well-being. The interactions with various other characters, including a Megarian who attempts to barter his daughters disguised as pigs, further reflect the absurdity and desperation brought on by conflict.
Collectively, these characters engage in a vibrant, satirical discourse that challenges the prevailing notions of patriotism and the consequences of prolonged warfare, leaving the audience to grapple with the complexities of loyalty and the human cost of conflict. "The Acharnians" ultimately serves as a poignant reflection on the desire for peace in a time of strife, resonating with themes that remain relevant across cultures and eras.
The Acharnians: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Aristophanes
First published: 425 b.c.e.
Genre: Play
Locale: Athens
Plot: Satire
Time: The period of the Peloponnesian War, 431–404 b.c.e.
Dicaeopolis (dih-kee-AH-poh-lihs), an Athenian farmer whose name means “honest citizen,” a shrewd, earthy man who has had enough of deceptions wrought in the name of patriotism and who wants peace with the Spartans at practically any price. Although he is a loyal Athenian, he recognizes that the Spartans cannot be blamed for all the misfortunes of his homeland. When the assembly refuses to discuss measures for ending the war, he concludes a separate peace and opens a market where all enemies of Athens may trade. Before a chorus of Acharnian charcoal burners, who wish to stone him as a traitor, he eloquently defends the cause of peace. His wisdom is shown even more plainly near the end of the play when he, in the company of two courtesans, makes ready for the Feast of the Cups, while the pompous militarist Lamachus dons his armor to march away to defend the border.
Lamachus (LA-muh-kuhs), a general who is determined to fight the Spartans to the end. A mighty boaster, he at last receives his wounds, not at the hands of the enemy but while leaping a ditch.
Euripides (yew-RIH-pih-deez), the tragic poet, who lends Dicaeopolis rags worn by Telephus, one of the most unfortunate of the playwright's heroes, so that Dicaeopolis will appeal to the pity of the Acharnians when he defends the cause of peace before them. Dicaeopolis takes not only the rags but also other accessories, such as a beggar's staff and a broken cup, until Euripides complains that he has parted with enough material for an entire tragedy.
Amphitheus (am-FIH-thih-uhs), a friend of Dicaeopolis. Although he claims immortality, he suffers from hunger because of the deprivations of war and arranges a truce with the Spartans for Dicaeopolis.
A Megarian, a resident of a city near Athens but allied to Sparta. Also suffering from hunger, he resolves to barter his daughters, disguised as pigs, to Dicaeopolis for garlic and salt. Dicaeopolis' examination of the wares leads to a bawdy exchange between the buyer and the seller.
A Boeotian, who gives his wares to Dicaeopolis in exchange for Nicharus, an Athenian informer.
A husbandman and a bridesmaid, who try to obtain from Dicaeopolis some of his precious balm of peace. The former is refused, but when the latter explains that she wants the substance so that the bride can keep her husband home from the war, Dicaeopolis gives it to her, exclaiming that women should not suffer as a result of the war.
The chorus of Acharnian elders, veterans who have fought at Marathon, made angry when they hear Dicaeopolis sacrificing to Bacchus after his truce is concluded. They have suffered from Spartan raids and are in no mood to tolerate pacifists. Dicaeopolis, dressed in the costume he has obtained from Euripides, speaks so tellingly for peace that the chorus is divided in sentiment and does not act against him.
An ambassador, returned from a mission sent to seek aid from the king of Persia. He escorts Pseudartabas, a supposed emissary from the Persian monarch, and two disguised Athenian citizens posing as eunuchs.
Pseudartabas (sew-DAHR-teh-buhs), the King's Eye, who pretends to bring Dicaeopolis a message from the King of Persia.
Theorus (thee-OH-ruhs), an envoy sent on a mission to Thrace. He returns with a group of ragamuffins who, he announces proudly, are the host of the Odomanti, the most warlike soldiers in Thrace, sent to aid the Athenians. Dicaeopolis is disgusted by his boasting and pretense.