The Birds

Fiction | Play | Adult | BCE

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Lines 1-800

Lines 801-1117

Lines 1118-1763

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

How is the Greek city-state—both in its Athenian and utopian Cloudcuckooland form—depicted in the play? What does the play suggest about urbanity and urban society?

How is the Hoopoe characterized, and why do you think Aristophanes chose to make him the ruler of the birds? Consider the myth of Tereus, which Aristophanes spoofs in his depiction of the Hoopoe. What is his significance in the play?

Analyze the character of Peisetairos. How do his characterization and character arc contribute to the play’s narrative and its key themes?