This, in ancient Greek Old Comedy, is a scene with a debate between the two opposing forces in the play, each representing one side of a social or political issue.

• A. Stasimon
• B. Parados
• C. Agon
• D. Epeisodion

Answer: (C)

Debate between opposing sides in Old Comedy is described by the term agon, a formal verbal contest that dramatizes a social or political issue. The agon sets up two viewpoints and lets characters present arguments, counterarguments, and satirical points in quick, sharp exchanges, often with the chorus weighing in and guiding the audience’s perception. This scene structure is what drives the critique of public life and public policy that Greek Old Comedy is known for, using wit and repartee to expose flaws and provoke thought. By contrast, other elements have different roles: the parodos is the chorus’s entrance with initial exposition, the stasimon is a choral ode that comments on action, and the epeisodion is a spoken episode where characters interact. So the debating scene—the agon—best captures the essence of presenting competing sides on a issue within the play.