How we cite our quotes: Line
Quote #1
Not for me, no motions, please! I don't desire political clout, / just the power of twisting lawsuits, and giving my creditors the slip. (432)
From the get go, we get the sense that Strepsiades isn't exactly the most moral dude. Case in point: He freely admits that he only wants to learn rhetoric so he can get out of paying his debts. Hmm, yeah, that sounds a little bogus to us.
Quote #2
Now I'm totally in their hands; / I'll do whatever they might command, / suffer beatings, hunger, thirst, / flagellation, freezing, dearth. / Only let me shirk my debts / and gain renown as the very best / pusher, spieler, bastard, wheel, / artful liar, total heel, / shyster, con-man, found of words, / loophole, fox, plea-copper, turd, / slippery liar, shifty skunk, / loathsome villain, pesty punk, / master-chef of total bunk. (439-450)
Although Strepsiades's little poem here is clever, it definitely paints him in a negative light, morally—basically, he doesn't mind being a "bastard" if it means he can "shirk his debts."
Quote #3
Well, I've got two kinds: / if someone owes me money, it's very good; / but if it's me that owes, it's awful bad. (483-485)
When Socrates asks Strepsiades if he has a good memory, this is his answer. While funny, the response once again suggests that Strepsiades has a completely busted moral compass; his actions and morals are basically up for grabs to the highest bidder.