An Analysis of the Status of the Gods in Aristophanes' Speech Essay

In Aristophanes speech the status of the Gods is intertwined with that of the myth. I will discuss the status of the Gods. In Aristophanes' speech the Gods can be viewed as creators, watchmen, and saviors. As creators According to Aristophanes, the humans present form was created as a result of Zeus' design and Apollo's craftsmanship. As watchmen The humans believe that they must do no wrong so as not to displease the Gods and be further punished for their insolence. Finally, the humans also believe that through proper worship and reverence the Gods will restore them to their "original nature." In his speech Aristophanes suggests that Hephaestus might come down to ask the humans if they would like to be made into one. At the end of page 28 Hephaestus tells them to, "Look at your love, and see if this is what you desire." It is here that the Gods can be seen as saviors. To fully discuss the status of the Gods we must discuss the relationship between the humans and the Gods. In the beginning of his speech, Aristophanes tells of how and why the Gods made the humans what they are. The first aspect of the relationship between humans and Gods that is brought to our attention is one of mutual need. To the humans the Gods are everything through the Gods the humans explained the mysteries of life. At the same time the Gods need the humans because of the worship and sacrifices they received from them, yet they are wary of the growing power of the humans and are forced to reconcile this situation. The next aspect of the relationship between humans and Gods is fear. The humans know that being divided in two was a punishment from the Gods, so the fear of being further punished is what keeps the humans in control. On page 29, second paragraph, Aristophanes says, now the god has divided us...

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