Aristophanes' The Birds has been praised for its imaginative plot and humorous social critique, highlighting the playwright's wit and creativity. However, some critics find the narrative meanders and the political satire overly subtle. The play's fantastical elements and innovative humor solidify its standing as a captivating yet divisive classic.

An ideal reader for Aristophanes' The Birds appreciates classical Greek literature, satire, and political critique. Comparable to fans of Aristophanes' Lysistrata and Plautus' comedies, they enjoy humor laced with societal commentary. This audience often also enjoys the works of Shakespeare and Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels.

The Birds by Aristophanes follows Peisetairos and Euelpides, two Athenians who leave their city to live among the birds, hoping to escape the frustrations of Athenian life. They persuade the birds to build a city, Cloudcuckooland, to gain power over the cosmos, leading to a confrontation with the gods and the establishment of a new divine order.

Humorous / Fantastical / Playful / Adventurous

- The Birds is one of Aristophanes' most fantastical and imaginative plays, integrating elements of fantasy by depicting birds building a city in the sky.
- The play is noted for its rich lyrical passages, including songs that showcase Aristophanes' talent for composition and the musicality of Ancient Greek comedy.
- During its original performance in 414 BC, the play utilized elaborate costumes and stage machinery to create the illusion of characters flying, which was groundbreaking for ancient theater production.

**Peisetairos**  
An intelligent and cunning man from Athens who seeks to settle among the birds and is instrumental in founding Cloudcuckooland. He often uses his superior intelligence to outsmart others and pursues his ambitious goals.

**Euelpides**  
A companion of Peisetairos, also from Athens, who hopes to escape city life and seeks ease and comfort rather than power. He plays a significant role in the early parts of the story but fades into the background as the plot advances.

**Chorus (Birds)**  
A group of 24 dancers and singers representing different species of birds, initially fearing humans but eventually persuaded by Peisetairos’s vision. They support Peisetairos and help build Cloudcuckooland.

**Hoopoe**  
The leader of the birds, based on the mythical figure Tereus, who mediates between the birds and the human characters. He encourages the birds to consider Peisetairos’s plans but disappears after the city's foundation.

**Iris**  
The messenger of the gods who briefly appears as Cloudcuckooland's walls are erected. She is surprised by Peisetairos’s rebellion against the gods and reports back about the new bird city.

**Prometheus**  
An enemy of Zeus who comes stealthily to Cloudcuckooland to advise Peisetairos. He offers crucial guidance on how to deal with the gods, mirroring his mythological role as a helper to humanity.

**Poseidon**  
One of the speaking members of the divine embassy negotiating with Cloudcuckooland, portrayed as a senior member overseeing others. He tries to maintain the gods' status but is challenged by the situation.

**Herakles**  
A member of the divine embassy known for his foolishness and gluttony, easily tempted by a feast during negotiations. He is swayed by Peisetairos’s manipulation to take the birds' side.

Aristophanes

Adult

Play

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Birds reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Birds | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Birds and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Birds Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Birds Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Lines 1-800

The Birds Lines 1-800 Summary & Analysis

Lines 801-1117

The Birds Lines 801-1117 Summary & Analysis

Lines 1118-1763

The Birds Lines 1118-1763 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Birds Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Birds Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Birds Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Birds Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Birds Essay Topics

The Birds Further Reading & Resources

The Birds

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Birds?

Reading Age

Book Details