Roosters, Cockfighting, and Performing Masculinity in Aristophanes's Plays

Abstract This paper explores the presence and significance of rooster in Aristophanes's plays. In particular, argues that embodied an example masculinity was presented on stage to reaffirm idea maleness already broadly accepted by society. Drawing from plays other ancient Greek texts, suggests victorious roosters display hegemonic masculine characteristics, asserting dominance over female male individuals. As such, displayed becomes a public symbol helps reinforce expected performance.1