The Birds Paper

8/14/2019 The Birds Paper

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Sarah Rehim

9/15/06

Aristophanes The Birds

How The Birds Pokes Fun at the Gullibility of Athenian Citizens

In perhaps his most highly regarded play, The Birds, Aristophanes places a

humorous spin on the events that were taking place in the city of Athens during the early

400s B.C.. At this time, Athens was thriving politically and economically, and Athenian

politician Alcibiades saw the opportunity to spread the citys prosperity and influence

through expansion. Better judgment veiled by utopian dreams, Alcibiades undertook the

Sicilian expedition, which attempted, and failed to gain power in Sicily. In The Birds,

Aristophanes employs the eager residents of the utopian Cloud-cuckoo-town, a sky-city

that is ruled by birds, to subtly, yet efficiently, critique the flawed ideals of the people of

Athens. In doing so, the playwright wittily draws attention to prominent figures in

Athenian society, such as playwrights, lawyers, and politicians. Perhaps the most

critically chided group existing in the play, however, are the gullible, idealistic birds who,

driven by their hunger for power, are easily manipulated in to building this city for the

benefit of its clever co-founders, Euelpides and Pisthetaerus. Without much persuasion or

logical reasoning, the birds happily busy themselves with the construction of Cloud-

cuckoo-town, their ignorant idealism allowing them to be easily fooled.

The play commences with two Athenians, Euelpides and Pisthetaerus, leaving

Athens in frustration over their legal-minded countrymen. They seek out the assistance of

Epops, King of the Birds, in bringing together his kingdom of birds to form a new city in

the sky, of which Pisthetaerus would be ruler. The ploy that the two use to gain the trust


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and enthusiasm of Epops and his kingdom is to ensure the power the birds could gain in

building such a city. EPOPS: When men sacrifice to the gods, unless the latter pay

you tribute, you exercise the right of every nation towards strangers and dont allow the

smoke of the sacrifices to pass through your city and territory (Aristophanes, 7). The

first allusion towards Athenian idealism is witnessed in Epops very first reaction to this

plan, in which he essentially relinquishes power over his kingdom to Pisthetaerus. Epops

claims with delight that he has never heard of anything more cleverly conceived, even

though the plan seems to have been hatched quickly, without much thought.

The birds do not as readily accept the ideas of a member of the impious race,

although they are eventually lured in to listening to them. As Pisthetaerus unfolds his

plans for them, the birds question how their interests shall be served. CHORUS:

Perhaps you are going to show me a way to extend my power (14). This scene is a

clear allusion to the desire of the Athenian people to attain more power. The desire for

power was prevalent in the city of Athens during this time, and Athenians often gullibly

accepted any ideas that promised it.

Soon, it becomes clear that the birds have handed over their fate to Euelpides and

Pisthetaerus, and the ease with which they are influenced is shown in the way they

quickly sing their praises. CHORUS: Old man, whom I once detested, you are now to

me the dearest of all; never shall I, if I can help it, fail to follow your advice. Inspirited by

your words, I threaten my rivals the godswe shall soon have shattered their sceptre

(19). The birds are now completely trusting of Pisthetaerus, who is playing on their

credulity, as well as the credulity of future guests of the city, to gain personal power.


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During one particularly telling scene, the chorus of birds sings of their power and

prominent place in society.

CHORUS:And what important services do not the birds render to mortals! Firstof all, they mark the seasons for them, springtime, winter, and autumnbefore

undertaking anything, whether a business transaction, a marriage, or the purchase

of food, you consult the birds by reading the omensIs it not clear that we are aprophetic Apollo to you? (22)

This selection is telling of just how easily persuaded the birds really are. They have lived

their lives up to this point never having considered that they were in possession of this

kind of influence. At once, Pisthetaerus comes along and convinces them that they are

more powerful than gods, and they readily accept this fact without question. Here,

Aristophanes is subtly poking fun at members of Athenian society. He is effectively

criticizing their readiness to be influenced by people who hold authority over them, such

as politicians.

Many quirky visitors eventually trek to the city, and they do nothing to further

validate the crazy notion of a city erected in the air. These visitors include Meton, a

geometrician, who hilariously seeks to measure the air, as well as a Dealer in Decrees

who tries to sell new laws to the city, and a poet who claims to have sung in honour of

this cityvery long (26), even, apparently, prior to its conception. This madness shows

how quickly word could be spread throughout the city, and how eagerly new ideas were

accepted, especially if they promised power.

The consequences of the birds trustfulness come to a head at the end of the play.

Pisthetaerus eventually manages to run Zeus out of Olympus, only to marry Basileia,

Zeus general manageress, and claim power in Olympus. This is, of course, the climax

to Pisthetaerus original plan. This plan could not have been carried out without the


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willingness of the birds to assume their supremacy over the gods, who also display

gullibility in being so easily stripped of their power.

In many ways, Aristophanes uses various characters in this play, but especially the

birds, to address the issue of Athenian idealism. He does so, presumably, in an efficient

manner, as it is so subtle that it would be unreasonable for any group represented to take

offense. The real factor behind the effectiveness of Aristophanes critical method is that

he takes a serious issue- the state of Athens in the 400s B.C.- and makes it the subject of

a light comedy. This gains the interest of the intended audience, and draws their attention

to the subject at hand. This is definitely a piece that could be made the subject of much

debate; however, one factor remains. The idealism of the birds led to their being fooled

and taken advantage of. This play makes clear the fact that sometimes, ignorance is not

bliss.


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