The analysis of the elements of laughter in Aristophanes' play "The Birds"

The aim of this study is to analyse the comic elements in Aristophanes' play "The Birds". The analysis is based on the influence of the Ancient Greek administration on the understanding of comedy of the period and the views of Aristotle and Plato on comedy. In the study as well as Ancient Greek Theatre and the understanding of comedy, in-depth analysis of the concept of laughter is conducted. In the literature review it was referred to the thoughts of the scientists who has studies on laughter such as Henri Bergson and Sigmund Freud. The concept of laughter in the history is exemplified through the theories of thinkers. The ideas of Aristotle and Plato, who were influential in the formation and development of the Ancient Greek Theatre, on comedy and laughter are stated. The play "The Birds", in which Aristophanes criticizes the Athenian administration and wants to awaken the people of Athens against to the government, is analysed through the comic elements it contains. Key Words: Aristophanes, Comedia, Laughter