The Political Topicality of Menander's Dyskolos

In Dyskolos, produced in 316 B.C.E. , Menander implied his support for Demetrios of Phaleron and the Macedonian-backed oligarchy Demetrios headed as Epimelētēs. The play's mixed-class marriages involved only families that remained enfranchised under the oligarchy's wealth requirement. Thus, they did not indicate support for democratic egalitarianism, but citizen solidarity under the oligarchy. The play's ethical theme, epimeleia, solicitous care of those in need, implied support for the Epimelētēs personally. Knemon's rage evoked the mob that had condemned the previous oligarch Phokion in 318. Knemon's subsequent catastrophe warned the dēmos that they must acquiesce in Macedonian hegemony.