This study analyzes how the structure of ancient Greek comedy betrays and responds to cultural tensions in the society of the classical city-state. Individual chapters treat Aristophanic and Menandrean comedies.

"This book is accessible to the general reader and a useful resource for the specialist."--Religious Studies "Konstan's novel study should command and challenge a wide readership, from undergraduate to specialist."--Choice "On whatever subjects David Konstan writes in the field of classical studies (and beyond), the reader has come to expect elegant and humane discussion of the larger points raised by the ancient texts, the society behind the artist and his works....Konstan's discussions are always elegant in their phrasing and subtle in their content....The essays were thought-provoking, and in the case of Wasps, Frogs, and Ploutos deserve to be among the required reading for these comedies."--Bryn Mawr Classical Review "...Konstan offers intelligent, reliable, and unltimately convincing reading of these plays."--New England Classical Journal "This book is accessible to the general reader and a useful resource for the specialist."--Religious Studies "Konstan's novel study should command and challenge a wide readership, from undergraduate to specialist."--Choice "On whatever subjects David Konstan writes in the field of classical studies (and beyond), the reader has come to expect elegant and humane discussion of the larger points raised by the ancient texts, the society behind the artist and his works....Konstan's discussions are always elegant in their phrasing and subtle in their content....The essays were thought-provoking, and in the case of Wasps, Frogs, and Ploutos deserve to be among the required reading for these comedies."--Bryn Mawr Classical Review "...Konstan offers intelligent, reliable, and unltimately convincing reading of these plays."--New England Classical Journal