Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are joined by Tsh Oxenreider to discuss The Frogs by Aristophanes. The play tells the comedic story of Dionysus deciding all the new tragic poets are terrible, so he travels to Hades to bring back Euripides to help save Athen’s from her moral decay. Once in Hades, Dionysus has several adventures, which includes hosting a poetry contest between Aeschylus and Euripides to see who is the best tragedian.
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For those who do not know Tsh Oxenreider, she is wonderful. She’s an author, blogger, and podcaster. I was on her podcast a while back to discuss acedia and love of eros. Great conversation. And today, we have a high-level, friendly chat about this The Frongs and our love of the great books in general.
So join us today for a enjoyable conversation on Aristophanes’ the Frogs.
ALSO: We start PLATO on 7.22.25! Check out our website for our reading schedule. Join us!
00:00 Introduction
01:09 Tish Oxenreider's Background and Love for the Great Books
07:07 Introduction to Aristophanes and 'The Frogs'
09:17 Appreciating Aristophanes' Comedy
18:14 The Role of Comedy in Teaching Lessons
21:59 The Humor and Juxtaposition in 'The Frogs'
27:18 Comparing Aristophanes and Euripides
30:26 The Title 'The Frogs' and its Significance
32:51 The Impact of Translation on the Reading Experience
34:29 The Power of Lightness
34:55 The Relief of Small Pleasures
35:54 Remembering the Power of Truth and Beauty
37:43 The Transformative Power of Great Works
39:00 Dionysus as the Go-Between
40:18 Poets as Teachers