Cunning slave

Definition

The cunning slave is a common character archetype in ancient comedic plays, especially in Roman comedy, representing a clever and resourceful servant who often outsmarts their master and other characters. This character embodies the theme of social inversion, where the subordinate figure manipulates situations to their advantage, reflecting deeper societal issues and the dynamics of power and class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cunning slave often serves as a central figure who drives the plot forward by orchestrating schemes that expose the folly of their masters.
2. This character type reflects the tension between social classes, as their cleverness allows them to manipulate situations typically dominated by their masters.
3. In Plautine plays, the cunning slave is often paired with a foolish master, creating comedic conflict through their interactions and misunderstandings.
4. The cunning slave is also significant in Menander's works, where they might portray more nuanced characteristics, highlighting personal motivations alongside social commentary.
5. This archetype not only entertains but also critiques societal norms, making audiences question authority and the nature of servitude.

Review Questions

• How does the cunning slave function as a character type in relation to the dynamics of social class within comedic narratives?
  • The cunning slave functions as a critical commentary on social class dynamics by cleverly navigating situations that typically disadvantage them. This character often outwits their masters, showcasing intelligence and resourcefulness that challenges traditional hierarchies. By doing so, they highlight the absurdities of authority and invite the audience to reconsider notions of power and subservience.
• What role does the cunning slave play in shaping plot structures within Menandrian plays compared to those in Plautine comedies?
  • In Menandrian plays, the cunning slave often has more depth and emotional complexity, reflecting personal motivations that influence their actions. In contrast, Plautine comedies emphasize the slapstick nature of this character's cleverness, focusing on physical comedy and straightforward schemes. Both traditions use the cunning slave to drive plots and create conflict, but they differ in how much emotional nuance is afforded to this character.
• Evaluate how the presence of the cunning slave impacts audience perceptions of authority figures within ancient comedic plays.
  • The presence of the cunning slave significantly alters audience perceptions of authority figures by positioning them as foolish or inept when contrasted with the wit of their subordinates. This creates a layer of comic irony that engages audiences in questioning societal norms around power. By showcasing how easily a clever servant can outsmart their masters, these plays encourage viewers to critique authority and consider alternative perspectives on class relationships within their own society.

Related terms

Stock Character: A stereotypical character type that is easily recognizable and represents a specific trait or role in a narrative, such as the cunning slave or the foolish master.

Deus Ex Machina: A plot device where an unexpected power or event saves a seemingly hopeless situation, often employed in comedic narratives to resolve conflicts quickly.

Comic Irony: A literary technique where there is a contrast between expectations and reality, frequently used in comedies to highlight the absurdities of social situations and character behaviors.