Peace: Analysis of Major Characters
"Peace: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the dynamics of war and peace through a variety of characters, primarily focusing on Trygaeus, an Athenian citizen who yearns for harmony between Athens and Sparta. Disillusioned by failed diplomatic efforts, Trygaeus embarks on a fantastical journey to seek divine intervention from Zeus, ultimately leading to a quest to liberate Peace, who is imprisoned by War. Accompanied by a Chorus of laborers and farmers, Trygaeus symbolizes the common people's desire for tranquility amidst the chaos of conflict.
Supporting characters, such as Hermes, the servant of Zeus, reflect the complexities of power and corruption in Athenian society, initially opposing Trygaeus but later aiding him for personal gain. War and Tumult represent the destructive forces that threaten peace, while various minor characters highlight the societal impacts of war, including economic ruin and a longing for normalcy. The narrative culminates in a marriage feast, celebrating the return of peace, yet underscores ongoing tensions through the interactions of characters who profit from warfare. Overall, the analysis of these major characters provides insight into the broader themes of conflict, societal roles, and the pursuit of peace.
Peace: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Aristophanes
Genre: Play
Locale: Athens
Plot: Satire
Time: The Peloponesian War
Trygaeus (tri-JEE-uhs), a wealthy citizen of Athens who desires peace between Athens and Sparta. After losing all faith that a peace will be achieved through diplomacy, he resolves to ask Zeus for help. His first effort to climb Olympus by ladders results in a broken head; he then attempts to make the journey on the back of an enormous dung beetle. After a successful flight, he is accosted at the door of the palace of Zeus by Hermes, who informs Trygaeus that the gods are disgusted by the stupidities of the Greeks and have resolved to leave them ravaged by War and Tumult. Peace has been buried in an enormous pit and has been covered with stones by the effort of War. Trygaeus, witnessing War beginning to grind up the Greek cities as he might a salad in a large mortar, resolves to liberate Peace. To that end, he calls to his aid common men, laborers and farmers from all over Greece, who form the Chorus. After ludicrously inept efforts on their part, Peace, along with Opora and Theoria, is liberated from the pit. Trygaeus, taking Opora with him for his marriage bed and taking Theoria for the Senate, returns to Earth. At the marriage feast of Trygaeus and Opora, various warmongers attempt to upset the peace and quell the joy, but Trygaeus scornfully rejects their offers of bribes. The play concludes with Opora being brought out in her wedding finery while the Chorus sings “Hymen Hymenaeus.”
Hermes (HUR-meez), the servant of Zeus, intended to serve as an example of the servants of the powerful in Athens as well as a reflection of the deviousness and corruption of their masters' minds. He abuses Trygaeus at first but subsides into friendliness and cooperation at the appearance of a bribe. Hermes' information about the intentions of the gods to ignore the Greeks makes it possible for Trygaeus to free Peace.
Two servants of Trygaeus, the first being his master's steward and confidential attendant who cooperates with Trygaeus throughout the play. The opening scene of the play finds both servants excitedly kneading cakes of excrement and feeding them to the dung beetle in the stable.
War, who hastily assembles the Greek cities in his mortar with the intention of grinding them into a salad and eventually into a paste.
Tumult, the servant of War, much abused by his master, who is sent off to Athens to bring back a pestle.
Hierocles (HI-roh-kleez), a soothsayer who appears at the preparation for the marriage feast and belligerently shouts prophecies about the impossibility of ending the war.
An Armourer and a Crest-Maker, who appear at the marriage feast to lament their loss of profits after the release of Peace. They try to promote surplus war goods for peaceful purposes, such as spears to use as vine poles.
The Son of Lamachus (LA-muh-kuhs) and the Son of Cleonymus (klee-O-nih-muhs), young boys at the marriage feast who sing as they have been taught of the glories of war until silenced by the sharp rejoinders of Trygaeus.
A Sickle-Maker, whose business has been ruined by the wars. He comes to the marriage feast to present Trygaeus with samples of his products.
A Chorus of Husbandmen, from all parts of Greece, who in trying to release Peace work against one another despite the best of intentions until the farmers, the only ones who do real work, free Peace from the pit. Throughout the play, the Chorus sings of the joys of peaceful domestic life.