Study Questions and Suggested Essay Topics To which genre of
drama does Aristophanes's The Clouds belong? Can The Clouds be
said to be a religious play? What role does religion play in the
drama? How does The Clouds conform to the standard model of
Greek comedies in general? How does it conform to Aristophanes's
comedic model in particular? Suggested Essay Topics Scholars
consider the extant version of The Clouds to be an unfinished
revision. Consider whether you believe the play to feel
"unfinished" or not. Examine each position. Discuss the role of
the chorus. Discuss the chorus's role both as a god-like figure
and as a mouthpiece for Aristophanes. Compare and contrast
ancient and modern stereotypes about the figure of the
"Intellectual." Use modern books, magazines, TV, and cinema.
What is different? What remains the same? Discuss Strepsiades's
status in the play. Is he a hero? A tragic hero? An anti- hero?
A tragic anti-hero? Discuss the role of money in this play. What
does it do in this play? What value