Titus
Maccius Plautus - A Prominent Roman Playwright
Plautus,
also known as Titus Maccius Plautus, was a prominent Roman playwright
who lived during the Roman Republic period in the 3rd and 2nd
centuries BCE. He is known for his comedic plays, which often
featured mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and clever wordplay.
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Plautus
(Died 184BCE)
1770
engraving by Pierre François Barrois - Image Wikipedia
Plautus
was born in Sarsina, a small town in northern Italy, around 254 BCE.
Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he
may have been of humble origins and worked as a stage carpenter
before becoming a playwright. Plautus was heavily influenced by Greek
New Comedy, particularly the works of Menander, and he adapted many
Greek plays for Roman audiences.
Plautus'
plays were performed during religious festivals and other public
events, attracting large crowds and earning him considerable fame and
fortune. His comedies were known for their slapstick humor, witty
dialogue, and colourful characters. Some of his most famous plays
include "The Brothers Menaechmus," "The Pot of Gold,"
and "Pseudolus."
The Pot of Gold and Other
Plays (Penguin Classics)
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this book USA at https://amzn.to/4nWyZg4
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the book UK at https://amzn.to/4lGlZtz
One
of the supreme comic writers of the Roman world, Plautus. The
Pot of Gold, whose old miser Euclio is a glorious study in avarice
One
of Plautus' recurring themes was the folly of human nature,
particularly the tendency of characters to deceive and be deceived.
In many of his plays, the plot revolves around mistaken identities or
misunderstandings, leading to comical situations and hilarious
misunderstandings. Plautus had a keen ear for language and often used
puns, wordplay, and clever dialogue to create humor.
Plautus'
plays were performed in outdoor theaters, where actors wore masks to
represent different characters and relied on exaggerated gestures and
expressions to convey emotions. The chorus, a group of actors who
commented on the action of the play, played a significant role in
Plautus' comedies, providing comic relief and interacting with the
audience.
Plautus'
legacy endured long after his death, as his plays continued to be
performed and adapted throughout the Roman Empire. His influence can
be seen in the works of later playwrights, such as Plautus'
contemporary, Terence, and the Roman poet, Horace. Even in modern
times, Plautus' plays are still performed and studied for their
timeless humor and insights into human nature.
In
conclusion, Plautus was a pioneering playwright of ancient Rome who
revolutionized the genre of comedy with his innovative plots, witty
dialogue, and memorable characters. Through his plays, he entertained
and enlightened audiences, leaving behind a lasting legacy that
continues to resonate to this day.
The
Rope and Other Plays (Penguin Classics)
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the book UK at https://amzn.to/412p4vu
Brilliantly
adapting Greek New Comedy for Roman audiences, the sublime comedies
of Plautus. The Rope is regarded by many as the best of Plautus'
plays
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