The Futility of War
The Acharnians is set during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, and the ongoing conflict serves as a backdrop for the play. The character of Dikaiopolis is fed up with the war and its sacrifices, and he is able to secure a personal peace treaty with the Megarians in order to find some respite from the conflict. This serves as a commentary on the futility of the war and the need to find alternative solutions to problems.
The disconnect
The Commissioner is a politician who has been away in Persia for a long time. He comes out as being out of touch with the reality of the war and the suffering it has caused the people of Athens. His long absence in Persia symbolizes the disconnect between the politicians and the general populace and the fact that they are not experiencing the same hardships as those on the front lines.
The toll of war on ordinary people
The Chorus of Acharnians are farmers from the town of Acharnae. They come out as hardworking and dedicated to their craft. However, they are also frustrated by the ongoing conflict and become jealous of Dikaiopolis's ability to secure peace with the Megarians. This serves to illustrate the theme of the toll that the war has taken on ordinary people and their desire for peace.
The importance of trade and commerce
The Megarians are willing to negotiate a peace treaty with Dikaiopolis in order to secure access to Athenian markets and resources. This stance illustrates the theme of the importance of trade and commerce and the way in which it can bring people together and foster understanding and cooperation.
Inadequacy and Ineffectiveness
The Embassy comprises a group of politicians who are to negotiate with the Megarians on behalf of the Athenian government. They display as being pompous and self-righteous, and they are unable to secure a peace treaty despite their best efforts. This highlights the theme of the inadequacy and ineffectiveness of traditional political structures and processes in bringing about change and resolution.
