Plautus

Definition

Plautus was a Roman playwright active in the late 3rd and early 2nd centuries BCE, best known for his contributions to the development of Roman comedy. His works were heavily influenced by Greek New Comedy, featuring stock characters and humorous plots, often centered around themes of mistaken identity, love, and clever servants. Plautus's writing style is characterized by its witty dialogue and use of lively, rhythmic verse, making his plays entertaining and accessible to audiences of his time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plautus is credited with writing approximately 20 surviving plays, including popular works like 'Amphitryon' and 'Pseudolus'.
2. His plays often include musical elements, with songs performed by characters that add to the comedic effect and engage the audience.
3. Plautus's influence can be seen in later Western theatrical traditions, as many of his works were adapted during the Renaissance and continue to be performed today.
4. He utilized clever wordplay and puns, making his dialogue sharp and lively, which appealed to both the elite and common audiences of ancient Rome.
5. Plautus's characters often represent exaggerated traits or types, such as the clever slave or the miserly father, making them relatable and entertaining.

Review Questions

• How did Plautus’s comedic style differ from that of earlier Greek playwrights?
  • Plautus's comedic style differed from earlier Greek playwrights primarily in its emphasis on humor derived from character-driven scenarios rather than purely situational comedy. He introduced more relatable stock characters like the clever slave and the brash young lover, which contributed to the humor in his plays. Additionally, Plautus employed witty dialogue filled with puns and wordplay, making his comedies more accessible to a diverse audience compared to the more sophisticated themes often found in Greek works.
• Evaluate the significance of music in Plautus's plays and how it contributed to the overall entertainment value.
  • Music played a significant role in Plautus's plays, enhancing their overall entertainment value by adding a layer of engagement for the audience. The incorporation of songs allowed for moments of comedic relief while also showcasing the talents of actors. Additionally, musical interludes helped to convey emotions and themes within the narrative, creating a lively atmosphere that complemented the humor. This integration of music set a precedent for future theatrical traditions where music would become a staple in dramatic presentations.
• Analyze how Plautus's influence can be seen in modern theatre and comedic forms today.
  • Plautus's influence is evident in modern theatre through the continued use of stock characters and comedic tropes that originated in his works. Many contemporary comedies draw on themes such as mistaken identity and social satire that were prevalent in Plautus’s plays. His witty dialogue has inspired countless writers to infuse humor into their scripts, creating relatable characters facing everyday dilemmas. Additionally, adaptations of his plays during the Renaissance highlight how his work transcended time, ensuring that elements of Roman comedy remain integral to today's theatrical landscape.

Related terms

Terence: A Roman playwright who was influenced by Plautus and known for his more refined and sophisticated style, often focusing on character development and moral themes.

Seneca: A Roman philosopher and playwright who wrote tragedies that diverged significantly from the comedic works of Plautus, focusing on themes of moral conflict and human emotion.

Roman Comedy: A theatrical genre that emerged in Rome, characterized by its comedic elements, stock characters, and plots that often revolve around romantic entanglements and social satire.