SEEING SLAVES IN AESCHYLEAN SATYR DRAMA∗

Abstract

This article explores the thematization of the satyrs’ proverbial slave status with specific reference to Aeschylean satyr play. A survey of the extant fragments reveals only one explicit mention of the satyrs’ slavery, suggesting a stark contrast with the relatively frequent references in the satyr plays of Sophocles and Euripides. Situating Aeschylus’ often enigmatic satyr fragments within the broader historical framework of fifth-century Athenian slavery, it is possible to see that the chorus’ servitude is nonetheless obliquely figured in many of our extant passages. At the same time, Aeschylus’ reticence around the subject of slavery in his satyric works is shown to continue a disposition already in evidence in his tragic compositions, which manifest a similarly muted discourse around lower-class enslavement.