Rhetorical Devices in The Acharnians Crystal Wu 12th Grade

Rhetoric has been used throughout history, including the Classical era. In fact, it was often celebrated in Ancient Greece, where rhetoric was often seen as a skill, and even an art form. Since then, it has evolved and modified to what is now different standards in different languages. However, similarities between the style of writing of ancient literatures and that of modern works can be drawn. When an ancient work is translated, the translator may choose specific words to capture the themes and the overall flow of the writing. One example of this is Alan H. Sommerstein’s translation of Aristophanes’ play, “The Acharnians.”

“The Acharnians” is one of Aristophanes’ earliest plays to survive. Although it is believed that he produced this play with Callistratus to win one of many first place awards in comedy plays, Aristophanes is accepted as the author. Throughout his life, he won many awards for his plays, often causing powerful enemies, like a government official named Cleon, since his plays often mock Athenian society and politics. “The Acharnians” is not an exception. In “The Acharnians,” Sommerstein uses rhetorical devices to recreate Aristophanes’ distinct style of writing that not only appeals to the audience, but also...