'Wasps' 1284-91 and the Portrait of Kleon in 'Wasps'

The encounter between Aristophanes and Kleon described at Wasps 1284-91 is not the well-known attack before the boule in 42615 BC, but a more recent confrontation. probably after the first production of Clouds at the Dionysia of 423 BC. Thus Wasps is Aristophanes' first production since his 'accommodation' with Kleon, and the depiction of Kleon is subtly and carefully handled to gain maximum effect from the audience's (and Kleon's) expectations.