Latin
Module: Incendia Matris
Understanding the literary facets of Plautus
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Understanding the literary facets of Plautus
Understanding the Literary Facets of Plautus
Overview of Plautus
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Titus Maccius Plautus was a Roman playwright in the Old Latin period.
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He is known for his comedic plays, inspired by Greek Old Comedy and New Comedy.
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His works, known as fabulae palliatae (plays in the Greek style), often included a clever slave as a main character.
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While the term Incendia Matris isn't directly related to Plautus, understanding his style can be beneficial for any examination of a Latin text.
Comedic Elements
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Wordplay and slapstick humour form integral parts of Plautus's comedic style.
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His comedy dealt with domestic situations, often evolving from the duplicity of servants.
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Plautus commonly toyed with traditional gender roles and social norms, often leading to unexpected and hilarious outcomes.
Understanding Plautus' Style
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Plautus employs prosody, the patterns of rhythm and sound, often using a mixture of different poetic meters.
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Plautus's plays are often characterised by their rapid pace, a technique known as rapid-fire dialogue.
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He frequently uses misunderstandings and mistaken identities, classic comedic devices, to drive the plot.
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Stock characters (like the cunning servant, the braggart soldier, the doting father) are commonly seen in his works and enrich the comedic value.
Thematic Elements
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Plautus's works often present an interesting perspective on everyday Roman life.
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His plays were known to present a rather exaggerated portrayal of slaves, often including them as the most clever and resourceful character in the play.
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His works also often feature themes of mercy, compassion, and the reversal of social norms.
Criticisms of Plautus
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Despite his popularity in Rome, some Romans criticised Plautus for his coarse comedy and frequent use of slang.
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Roman philosopher Cicero criticises him for his lack of moral content and his often unrealistic, fantastical comedic plots.
Remember, understanding the literary and thematic content of Plautus's plays can greatly aid in the analysis and interpretation of Latin texts, including those on the Incendia Matris module.
