I just commented on Tim Snyder’s recent post on Substack. Starts with Greek tragedies and Icelandic sagas. For a historian of European times this reminder that ancient plays are important to fathom.
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of Stewart and Colbert. I used to fantasize about meeting Colbert so I could tell him, "Your mission in life is to convert Jon Stewart to Roman Catholicism so you can BOTH be canonized."
On another topic, you mentioned The Persians and I was hoping to get your reading of it. The modern view tends to be that it is an admirable exercise in empathy for one's enemies. I'm of the school that holds it was a way for the Athenian audience to relive and revel in the suffering of their defeated foes. What says il professore?
Kelly, there was certainly some of that. But the moralities involved were complex. Some of it had to do with reminding Athenians of the horrors of war and of their own suffering and foolishness.
If anyone would like a truly superb example of Old Comedy i would recommend Colberts White house Correspondents party Speech during the Bush 2 Presidency.
But very quickly, I realised that this was a million dollar idea! Think about it : in which language would I have a higher chance to becoming a successful comedian? English or Latin? 💪 😂
Damn! Dr. Stoiclove! You’re getting good! A whole new dimension with your Salvador “Dall-E”s! “How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love AI!” 😆
I agree with Marcus. No skirting who or what is being ridiculed in comedy. Going for the jugular is necessary. Sometimes the old ways are the best ways. And if that includes actual persons, or events real, than so be it! Comedy is pain at another’s expense (though today not so sure most “get it”). No place for protecting the presumed innocent on that stage. And thank God for that. If it weren’t for comedy, we’d talking about Kool-Aid concoctions in a Stoic mocktail book instead of living a wonderful life that relentlessly throws rocks at us! 😊👍
I just commented on Tim Snyder’s recent post on Substack. Starts with Greek tragedies and Icelandic sagas. For a historian of European times this reminder that ancient plays are important to fathom.
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of Stewart and Colbert. I used to fantasize about meeting Colbert so I could tell him, "Your mission in life is to convert Jon Stewart to Roman Catholicism so you can BOTH be canonized."
On another topic, you mentioned The Persians and I was hoping to get your reading of it. The modern view tends to be that it is an admirable exercise in empathy for one's enemies. I'm of the school that holds it was a way for the Athenian audience to relive and revel in the suffering of their defeated foes. What says il professore?
Kelly, there was certainly some of that. But the moralities involved were complex. Some of it had to do with reminding Athenians of the horrors of war and of their own suffering and foolishness.
If anyone would like a truly superb example of Old Comedy i would recommend Colberts White house Correspondents party Speech during the Bush 2 Presidency.
Second!
I think the best example of the last 50 years of punch up comedy in the US would have been George Carlin.
Agreed! https://youtu.be/-54c0IdxZWc?si=mAHJKLfwtvbqqotU
Inspired by "the funniest man in Rome" or "the standup consul", aka Cicero, I've been learning latin on duolingo for a few months.
Nice!
But very quickly, I realised that this was a million dollar idea! Think about it : in which language would I have a higher chance to becoming a successful comedian? English or Latin? 💪 😂
Obviously! 😆
Well, even if one is lacking or one is oversaturated, any reason why we can't have all 3?
Yes, but the problem is when one replaces the other.
Damn! Dr. Stoiclove! You’re getting good! A whole new dimension with your Salvador “Dall-E”s! “How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love AI!” 😆
I agree with Marcus. No skirting who or what is being ridiculed in comedy. Going for the jugular is necessary. Sometimes the old ways are the best ways. And if that includes actual persons, or events real, than so be it! Comedy is pain at another’s expense (though today not so sure most “get it”). No place for protecting the presumed innocent on that stage. And thank God for that. If it weren’t for comedy, we’d talking about Kool-Aid concoctions in a Stoic mocktail book instead of living a wonderful life that relentlessly throws rocks at us! 😊👍
😆
I was expecting also to read about new comedy...
Well, as Marcus said, not much to say there...