The Braggart Soldier, The Brothers Menaechmus, The Haunted House, The Pot of Gold: A Journey into the World of Plautus

Titus Maccius Plautus, a Roman playwright who lived during the 3rd century BC, is widely regarded as the master of Roman comedy. His plays, known for their lively characters, witty dialogue, and farcical plots, have been enjoyed by audiences for centuries. This article takes a closer look at four of Plautus' most famous comedies: The Braggart Soldier, The Brothers Menaechmus, The Haunted House, and The Pot of Gold.

Four Comedies: The Braggart Soldier; The Brothers Menaechmus; The Haunted House; The Pot of Gold (Oxford World's Classics)

by RaShelle Workman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	69248 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	288 pages

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The Braggart Soldier

The Braggart Soldier, also known as Miles Gloriosus, is one of Plautus' most popular plays. It tells the story of Pyrgopolinices, a braggart soldier who believes himself to be invincible. When he falls in love with a beautiful slave girl, he must overcome the obstacles posed by her master and a rival suitor. The play is full of hilarious misunderstandings and slapstick humor, as Pyrgopolinices' boasts are constantly contradicted by his actions.

The Brothers Menaechmus

The Brothers Menaechmus is another classic Plautus comedy. It tells the story of two identical twins, Menaechmus of Epidamnus and Menaechmus of Syracuse, who are separated at birth. When Menaechmus of Syracuse travels to Epidamnus in search of his brother, he is mistaken for his twin, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings. The play explores the themes of identity and mistaken identity, and it is considered one of the earliest examples of the "twin farce" genre.

The Haunted House

The Haunted House, also known as Mostellaria, is a Plautus comedy that combines elements of horror and slapstick humor. The play tells the story of a young man who buys a haunted house in Free Download to keep his mistress hidden from his father. However, the house is haunted by a ghost who terrorizes the occupants, leading to a series of hilarious and frightening events. The play is a unique blend of comedy and horror, and it has been adapted into several films and television shows.

The Pot of Gold

The Pot of Gold, also known as Aulularia, is a Plautus comedy that tells the story of a miserly old man who finds a pot of gold. The discovery of the gold leads to a series of hilarious and greedy behavior, as various characters try to steal the gold for themselves. The play is a satire on the human desire for wealth, and it is one of Plautus' most enduring comedies.

The Braggart Soldier, The Brothers Menaechmus, The Haunted House, and The Pot of Gold are just a few examples of the many hilarious and entertaining comedies that Plautus wrote. His plays have been performed for centuries, and they continue to be enjoyed by audiences today. If you are looking for a good laugh, I highly recommend checking out one of Plautus' comedies.

References

* Duckworth, George E. The Complete Roman Drama. New York: Random House, 1942. * Palmer, Robert E.A. Plautus: Five Plays. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1976. * Wright, F.A. Plautus: Menaechmi. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1910.

Four Comedies: The Braggart Soldier; The Brothers Menaechmus; The Haunted House; The Pot of Gold (Oxford World's Classics)

by RaShelle Workman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	69248 KB
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE