Plautine Comedy

Definition

Plautine Comedy refers to the body of comedic plays written by the Roman playwright Plautus during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. These works are characterized by their lively dialogue, stock characters, and witty wordplay, which often draw upon themes of mistaken identity, romance, and social commentary. The style and structure of Plautine Comedy significantly influenced later comedic traditions in European drama, especially the works of Terence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plautine Comedy is known for its energetic plots that often include twists and turns involving mistaken identities and clever schemes.
2. The influence of Plautus can be seen in later playwrights like Molière and Shakespeare, who incorporated similar comedic techniques in their works.
3. Plautus's plays frequently utilized elements of farce, with slapstick humor and absurd situations that resonated with audiences.
4. Many of Plautus's comedies are adaptations of Greek originals, showcasing how he reinterpreted and localized these stories for Roman audiences.
5. The use of musical elements in Plautine Comedy also paved the way for the development of musical theater in later European drama.

Review Questions

• How did Plautine Comedy utilize stock characters to enhance its humor?
  • Plautine Comedy made effective use of stock characters to create relatable scenarios that heightened comedic tension. Characters like the clever slave, the greedy father, and the young lovers exemplified recognizable archetypes that audiences could easily identify with. This not only set up expectations for humorous interactions but also allowed Plautus to subvert these archetypes in surprising ways, resulting in laughter through both familiarity and unpredictability.
• In what ways did Plautine Comedy influence the development of European drama, particularly in relation to Terence's works?
  • Plautine Comedy laid a foundational framework for European drama through its unique blend of humor, character archetypes, and intricate plotting. Terence, who followed Plautus, adapted these elements while focusing more on character development and moral themes. His works retained the lively dialogue and humor found in Plautus but emphasized psychological depth and relationships, thus bridging the gap between ancient comedy and later Renaissance dramatists.
• Evaluate the significance of musical elements in Plautine Comedy and how they contributed to the evolution of comedic performance in Europe.
  • The incorporation of musical elements in Plautine Comedy was significant as it enriched the overall theatrical experience by blending music with dialogue and action. This innovation not only entertained audiences but also set a precedent for integrating song and dance into plays. As theatrical forms evolved into musical theater during the Renaissance, the legacy of Plautus's rhythmical language and musical interludes became crucial in shaping the future of comedic performance across Europe.

Related terms

Stock Characters: Recurring character types in literature, such as the clever servant or the miserly father, commonly found in comedic works.

Farce: A subgenre of comedy that employs exaggerated situations and physical humor to entertain audiences.

Satire: A literary device that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms and behaviors.