3.3 Middle and New Comedy: Menander and Social Critique
4 min read•july 29, 2024
Middle and New Comedy marked a shift from political satire to in ancient Greek theater. Playwrights like Menander focused on everyday life, love, and family dynamics, using to explore societal issues.
This evolution reflected changing political landscapes and censorship. New Comedy's influence extended beyond Greece, shaping Roman theater and later European comic traditions, leaving a lasting impact on the development of comedy in various media.
Old, Middle, and New Comedy
Characteristics and Themes
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- Old Comedy (represented by Aristophanes) characterized by political satire, fantasy, crude humor, and personal attacks on public figures
- Often included a chorus that directly addressed the audience
- Middle Comedy (transitional phase) reduced the role of the chorus and moved away from overt political themes
- Focused more on stock characters, mythology, and everyday life situations
- New Comedy (exemplified by Menander) eliminated the chorus entirely and concentrated on domestic situations, love stories, and character-driven humor
- Featured stock characters such as the young lovers, the cunning slave, and the angry father
Evolution and Societal Reflections
- Shift in focus from overt political commentary and personal attacks in Old Comedy to social issues and lives of ordinary citizens in Middle and New Comedy
- Decline of Athenian democracy and increased censorship influenced this change
- Middle and New Comedy playwrights used stock characters to represent societal archetypes
- Allowed for a more generalized critique of social norms and behaviors compared to targeting specific individuals in Old Comedy
- Themes of love, family dynamics, and social class distinctions served as microcosms for exploring wider societal issues in New Comedy
Menander: Key Figure in New Comedy
Prolific Playwright
- Menander (c. 342-290 BCE) was the most prominent playwright of the New Comedy period in ancient Greece
- Wrote over 100 plays, with only one complete surviving work, "Dyskolos" (The Grouch)
- Substantial fragments of other works like "Samia" (The Woman from Samos) and "Epitrepontes" (The Arbitration) have been discovered
Style and Influence
- Menander's plays known for their wit, realism, and exploration of human nature
- Greatly influenced later Roman comedic playwrights like Plautus and Terence who adapted and translated his works for Roman audiences
- Legacy extends beyond the stage, influencing the development of comic genres in other media (romantic comedy in film and television)
Political Satire vs Social Critique
Decline of Political Commentary
- As Athenian democracy declined and censorship increased, playwrights moved away from the overt political commentary and personal attacks common in Old Comedy
- Middle and New Comedy playwrights turned their attention to social issues, focusing on the lives of ordinary citizens and the complexities of human relationships
Generalized Critique through Stock Characters
- While Old Comedy often targeted specific individuals, Middle and New Comedy used stock characters to represent societal archetypes
- Allowed for a more generalized critique of social norms and behaviors
- Stock characters became staples of Roman comedy, influencing the development of comic archetypes and tropes that persisted in European literature for centuries
Love, Family, and Social Class in Menander
Romantic Struggles and Obstacles
- Menander's plays often revolved around the romantic struggles of young lovers
- Faced obstacles such as disapproving parents, rival suitors, or differences in social status
- "Recognition scene" frequently featured, where characters discovered their true identities or family connections
- Led to a resolution of conflicts and a restoration of social order
Family Dynamics as Microcosms
- Family dynamics were a central theme in Menander's works
- Conflicts arose between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, or siblings
- Familial relationships often served as a microcosm for exploring wider societal issues
Social Strata and Societal Norms
- Social class distinctions played a significant role in Menander's comedies
- Characters from different social strata (wealthy citizens, poor farmers, slaves) interacted and found themselves in situations that challenged societal norms and expectations
- Interactions between characters from different social classes highlighted and critiqued societal hierarchies and expectations
Influence of Comedy on Later Traditions
Roman Adaptations and Preservation
- Roman comedic playwrights, particularly Plautus and Terence, heavily drew inspiration from Greek New Comedy
- Adapted and translated many of Menander's works for Roman audiences
- Roman adaptations preserved and disseminated New Comedy's style, themes, and stock characters
- Became staples of Roman comedy and influenced the development of comic archetypes and tropes in European literature for centuries
European Literary Legacy
- Elements of New Comedy (focus on domestic situations, love stories, character-driven humor) seen in works of later European playwrights
- Shakespeare, Molière, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw
- New Comedy's influence on comic genres extends beyond the stage to other media
- Romantic comedy in film and television draws from New Comedy's themes and structures
Key Terms to Review (16)
Character Types: Character types are specific categories of personalities and roles that actors portray in performances, often embodying certain traits, behaviors, and social statuses. In the context of Middle and New Comedy, these character types serve as a means for playwrights like Menander to critique societal norms, explore human relationships, and reflect contemporary life through comedic situations.
Class conflict: Class conflict refers to the tension and struggle between different social classes, often driven by economic disparities and differing interests. This concept can be seen as a critical lens through which to understand the dynamics of society, particularly in relation to power, wealth, and social structures. In the context of Middle and New Comedy, this conflict is often highlighted through satire and comedic narratives that critique social norms and challenge class hierarchies.
Comedy festivals: Comedy festivals were large-scale public celebrations in ancient Greece that featured performances of comedic plays, typically as part of religious observances, particularly honoring Dionysus. These festivals served not only as entertainment but also as a platform for social critique, with playwrights using humor to reflect and comment on societal norms, politics, and daily life. They played a crucial role in the development of comedy, especially during the Middle and New Comedy periods, where writers like Menander brought sharper social insights to the stage.
Dramatic Structure: Dramatic structure refers to the organized framework that shapes a play or performance, guiding the progression of the narrative and character development through various elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This structure is essential for creating tension, engaging the audience, and conveying themes and messages effectively. In both classical and later comedic forms, it plays a crucial role in how stories are crafted and presented on stage.
Focus on Everyday Life: The focus on everyday life refers to the exploration of common social experiences, interactions, and realities of daily existence, particularly as reflected in art and literature. In the context of Middle and New Comedy, this term highlights how playwrights like Menander shifted the narrative from grand mythological themes to relatable situations involving ordinary people, their relationships, and societal issues. This approach allowed audiences to connect with characters on a personal level, making the comedic elements more accessible and relevant to contemporary life.
Gender Roles: Gender roles refer to the social and cultural expectations placed on individuals based on their perceived gender, influencing behavior, attitudes, and responsibilities within society. In the context of ancient theatrical forms, these roles shaped characters and narratives, reflecting societal norms while also offering a platform for critique and exploration of gender dynamics.
Hellenistic Period: The Hellenistic Period refers to the era in ancient history from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE to the emergence of the Roman Empire around 30 BCE. This time was marked by the spread of Greek culture across a vast territory that included parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, leading to significant developments in art, philosophy, and drama, particularly through new comedic forms.
Less Political Satire: Less political satire refers to a shift in comedic focus during the Middle and New Comedy periods, where the emphasis moved away from direct political commentary to social critique and the exploration of everyday life. This transition marked a change in how playwrights approached humor, as they began to delve into personal relationships, societal norms, and character flaws rather than mocking political figures or events. The works from this era often highlighted human behavior and social customs, providing insight into the culture of the time without the sharp edge of political satire.
Parodos: Parodos refers to the entrance song or chant performed by the chorus in ancient Greek theatre, particularly during a tragedy. This term is significant as it not only marks the entrance of the chorus into the orchestra but also sets the tone for the play, often providing background information and establishing the themes that will unfold. The parodos serves as a crucial moment for audience engagement, inviting them into the world of the performance while also offering insight into the emotional landscape of the narrative.
Prologue: A prologue is an introductory section of a play that provides background information, sets the stage, and prepares the audience for the ensuing action. It often establishes context and can present themes or characters that will be significant throughout the performance. In various theatrical forms, the prologue serves as a means to engage the audience and clarify the narrative framework.
Public Reaction: Public reaction refers to the collective response of an audience or community to a performance, artistic work, or social commentary presented through theatre. This reaction is crucial in understanding how Middle and New Comedy, particularly the works of Menander, served as a reflection of societal norms, challenges, and transformations during their time. The public's reactions often shaped the success of theatrical productions and provided insight into contemporary social issues, values, and individual behavior.
Roman Influence: Roman influence refers to the impact that Roman culture, practices, and governance had on the development of theater and dramatic arts, particularly during the transition from Greek traditions to the more structured forms of performance that emerged in Rome. This influence is notable in various aspects such as staging, thematic content, character development, and the integration of social critique, which shaped the evolution of Middle and New Comedy through playwrights like Menander.
Slapstick humor: Slapstick humor is a style of comedy characterized by exaggerated physical actions, visual gags, and ludicrous situations that provoke laughter. This form of humor relies heavily on visual elements, often involving the use of props or bodily mishaps to create comedic effects. It's particularly significant in various forms of theatrical comedy, where it serves as a tool for social commentary and entertainment.
Social Critique: Social critique refers to the practice of analyzing and evaluating societal norms, values, and behaviors to highlight issues of inequality, injustice, or moral failure. This form of commentary aims to provoke thought and inspire change by exposing flaws in the social fabric, often through humor, satire, or direct confrontation. In various theatrical forms, social critique serves as a means for playwrights to engage audiences in discussions about their world and the need for transformation.
Spectator engagement: Spectator engagement refers to the ways in which audiences actively connect with a performance, becoming emotionally and intellectually involved in the theatrical experience. This concept emphasizes the importance of audience participation, response, and interaction, which can transform a passive viewing experience into a dynamic relationship between the performers and spectators. In the context of Middle and New Comedy, particularly through the works of Menander, spectator engagement becomes crucial as it allows for social critique and commentary on contemporary issues, enhancing the overall impact of the comedy.
Stock characters: Stock characters are stereotypical figures that are easily recognizable and recur in various works of literature and drama. They serve specific roles and embody certain traits, allowing audiences to quickly understand their functions within the narrative. These characters often represent broader societal types or archetypes, contributing to humor, conflict, and social commentary.