Worse Argument

Character Analysis

Worse Argument is the personification of a newfangled (circa 400 BCE) mode of thought that is renowned for convincing people to come over to a particular side of an argument, even if it is immoral or wrong by any other standard. As he describes it,

"I got the name Worse Argument among the intellectuals / for just this very reason, that I pioneered a new technique, / a logical way to contradict established laws and morals." (1038-1040)

Unlike Better Argument, who points to tangible things as good (like tradition and being physically active) to support his POV, Worse Argument basically just uses twisty logic and dubious comparisons to prove that something is okay.

According to Better Argument, Worse Argument is tainting the youth of Athens:

"You've made the younger generation uninterested in education. / Just wait until the Athenians / find out what fools you've made of them!" (916-918)

Also, Better Argument accuses Worse Argument of making these young folks physically weak and pale, which, in his eyes, is a really bad thing.

Despite all these objections that Better Argument has to Worse Argument, he finds himself coming over to BA's side by the end. Meanwhile, Strepsiades goes in the other direction and burns down the Thinkery to prevent it from being taught.