The Acharnians Imagery

The Acharnians Imagery

Had to

The Commissioner explains to everyone at the Assembly what he had to do while away in the East, such as drink excellent wine from gold and crystal cups. This imagery reveals quite clearly that Aristophanes is saying that the men of the Assembly are lavished by wealth and luxury while their own people starve, and yet they describe it as a horrible experience.

Empty Meeting

The play begins with Dikaiopolis alone at the Pnyx, the meeting place of the Assembly. This imagery creates the idea that the Assembly cares very little for what Dikaiopolis believes is what is most important for them to find for the people: Peace. And, with no other Assemblymen there, Aristophanes is showing us that the cares of the people are not supported by the members of their Assembly.

Suffering

The Commissioner explains his great suffering in his journey to Persia. Ironically it is on luxuriously soft cushions. The imagery of his travel shows us blatantly that he is adjusting his story of travel in order to gain sympathy from the other elitists of the Assembly, and making a mockery of those people who truly suffer daily.

Peace

Dikaiopolis purchases peace with Sparta from Amphitheus. The imagery of one man purchasing what should be for all shows us that Dikaiopolis is a person that stands completely against the crowd. We can imagine that he, like many, represents the one voice that is willing to stand for what they believe is right, even when the rest of the State is declaring it is not.

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