Literature and History Episode 43: On the Move (Plautus' The Rope)
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Sep 29, 2017 Delve into Roman playwright Plautus and his comedy 'The Rope,' set in post-Punic War Rome. Explore themes of marriage, parentage, and societal norms in ancient Rome. Discover the movements of people in ancient times, migrations, and societal changes. Uncover the influence of Plautus and Terrence on literature and theater, shaping cultural traditions. Reflect on unrealistic portrayals of relationships in romantic comedies and explore theatrical conventions in storytelling.
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Concerns about Permanent Theatres
- Roman statesmen believed that sitting in a theatre for extended periods would lead to moral decay.
- Tacitus recounts concerns that permanent theatres would promote idleness and foreign tastes, corrupting Roman youth.
Patrician Views on Theatre
- Patricians saw theatre as a foreign influence and worried about its impact on Roman values.
- They preferred the plebeians engaged in more "Roman" activities like chariot races and gladiatorial combat.
Plautus and New Comedy
- Plautus's plays, like The Rope, are categorized as Fabulae palliata or "cloaked plays," indicating Greek influence.
- He drew inspiration from Greek New Comedy, a genre focused on everyday people and intricate plots rather than political satire.