Terence

Definition

Terence was a Roman playwright of the 2nd century BCE, known for his comedic works that were adaptations of Greek plays. His writing style was characterized by its elegance, clarity, and focus on character development, influencing later European drama. Terence's plays often featured themes of love, mistaken identity, and family dynamics, showcasing his ability to blend humor with social commentary.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terence's full name was Publius Terentius Afer, and he was originally from Carthage, which is in modern-day Tunisia.
2. He wrote six plays that have survived intact: 'Andria', 'Hecyra', 'Phormio', 'Adelphoe', 'Eunuchus', and 'Heautontimorumenos'.
3. Terence often emphasized character development and moral dilemmas over slapstick humor, setting him apart from his contemporary Plautus.
4. His works were notable for their sophisticated language and elegant dialogue, often using prologues to set the scene or introduce themes.
5. Terence's influence extended beyond his time; his plays were studied during the Renaissance and contributed to the development of modern comedy.

Review Questions

• Compare the writing styles of Terence and Plautus, highlighting their different approaches to comedy.
  • Terence's writing style is marked by elegance and character depth, often delving into personal relationships and moral questions. In contrast, Plautus favored farcical elements and exaggerated situations, focusing on physical comedy and humor. While both playwrights contributed significantly to Roman theater, Terence's nuanced character portrayals set him apart from the more slapstick approach of Plautus.
• Discuss how Terence's adaptations of Greek plays contributed to the evolution of Roman theater.
  • Terence adapted Greek New Comedy into Roman theater while maintaining the essence of the original stories. His approach allowed for a more relatable depiction of contemporary social issues through characters dealing with love and family conflicts. This adaptation not only preserved the comedic traditions of Greece but also introduced a new level of sophistication in language and character development in Roman drama.
• Evaluate the impact of Terence's themes on later European drama and how they resonate in modern storytelling.
  • Terence's exploration of themes such as love, identity, and familial relationships laid groundwork for many narrative conventions in later European drama. His focus on realistic character interactions and moral dilemmas can be seen echoed in the works of playwrights like Molière and Shakespeare. The emotional complexity he introduced continues to resonate in modern storytelling, influencing how contemporary dramas address personal conflicts and societal norms.

Related terms

Plautus:

A contemporary of Terence, Plautus was another prominent Roman playwright known for his farcical comedies and use of musical elements in his works.

Atellan Farce: A form of popular Roman theater that featured improvised performances and stock characters, serving as a precursor to more structured comedic forms.

New Comedy: A genre of ancient Greek comedy that focuses on everyday life and personal relationships, heavily influencing the works of Terence and other Roman playwrights.