©Damen,
2021
Classical Drama
and Theatre
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Like all of Cratinus' work, Pytine
is now unfortunately lost. We do, however, know some things about this comedy.
It was essentially an extended joke centering around the playwright's own bad
habits—in particular, his alcoholism—which in the popular mind had
accounted for a recent string of dramatic failures. Indeed, it was this very lapse
on Cratinus' part that had, in part, allowed Aristophanes to rise to prominence
at such an early age. But by 423 BCE, as he was nearing the end of his life and
career, the clever old fox put the young pup to flight and returned to the
stage triumphantly, at the Dionysia no less!
Return to Chapter 9
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