Plautus

Definition

Plautus was a prominent Roman playwright active during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, best known for his comedic works that were heavily influenced by Greek New Comedy. His plays often feature clever slaves, mistaken identities, and humorous situations, reflecting the social dynamics of Roman life. Plautus' contributions to theater played a significant role in shaping Roman culture and entertainment during the Republican period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plautus wrote over 40 plays, with only 21 surviving in complete form, showcasing his talent for blending humor with social commentary.
2. His works often included musical elements, making them popular for public performances in theaters across Rome.
3. Plautus' influence extended beyond Rome; his plays were adapted and performed throughout Europe during the Renaissance.
4. Common themes in Plautus' plays include love, deception, and the cleverness of slaves outsmarting their masters.
5. His comedic style was characterized by wordplay, puns, and a lively pace that captivated audiences of his time.

Review Questions

• How did Plautus' style of comedy reflect the social dynamics of Roman society?
  • Plautus' comedic style cleverly highlighted the social dynamics of Roman society through characters like clever slaves who often outsmarted their masters. His use of mistaken identities and humorous situations mirrored the complexities of class relationships and social hierarchies prevalent in Rome. By incorporating these elements into his plays, Plautus not only entertained audiences but also provided commentary on societal norms and values.
• Compare and contrast the comedic techniques used by Plautus with those of another Roman playwright, Terence.
  • While both Plautus and Terence were influential Roman playwrights, their comedic techniques differed significantly. Plautus favored broad humor, slapstick comedy, and exaggerated characters, often utilizing farcical situations to engage his audience. In contrast, Terence employed a more sophisticated approach with subtle character development and realistic dialogue. This difference in style reflects their respective cultural contexts and audience expectations during the Republican period.
• Evaluate the impact of Plautus on the development of Western theater and its relevance to contemporary comedy.
  • Plautus had a profound impact on the development of Western theater through his innovative use of comedic elements that laid the groundwork for future playwrights. His incorporation of stock characters and humorous plots influenced subsequent generations, including Renaissance playwrights like Shakespeare. The themes and comedic structures found in Plautus’ works continue to resonate today, demonstrating the timeless nature of his humor and its relevance to contemporary comedy in film and theater.

Related terms

Roman Comedy: A genre of theater that flourished in ancient Rome, characterized by its comedic elements, stock characters, and often based on Greek theatrical traditions.

Mimus: A form of comedic performance art in ancient Rome that involved improvisation and was an important precursor to later theatrical forms.

Terence:

Another famous Roman playwright from the same period as Plautus, known for his more refined style and focus on character development in his comedies.