The paper examines intertextual parallels between Aristophanes' Clouds and his earlier fragmentary play, the Banqueters. It is stated explicitly in the scholia to the parabasis in the Clouds that Aristophanes refers to the Banqueters, apparently as to a model for the revised version of the Clouds. I consider some further parallels between the two plays and argue that the dialogue between Strepsiades and Pheidippides in vv. 820 – 865 draws upon the Banqueters as well. It explores the same themes of sophistic education and father-son relationship, but reworks them in an innovative way. This can be shown, in particular, by comparing the passage in the Clouds with fr.205 K.-A. of the Banqueters. It is concluded, therefore, that Aristophanes expresses his literary programme in the parabasis, namely, to introduce new ideas and at the same time to refer to his own comedies through intertextuality. This sophisticated technique is intended for the audience of the Athenian intellectuals, the clever ones, whose intelligence secures the poet's success in the dramatic competition.
References\n
Cassio A.C. Aristofane Banchettanti (Daitalēs): i frammenti. Pisa: Giardini, 1977.
Fritzsche F. De Daetalensibus Aristophanis commentatio. Lipsiae, 1831.
Halliwell S. Aristophanes’ apprenticeship. Classical Quarterly, 1980, vol. 30, pp. 33-45.
Jones N.F. The associations of classical Athens. The response to democracy. Oxford University Press, 1999.
Segoloni L. Socrate a banchetto. Roma, 1994.
Storey I. Thrasymachus at Athens: Aristophanes fr. 205 («Daitales»). Phoenix, 1988, vol. 42, pp. 212-218.
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