Not offered 2007-2008
CLLA 408 Roman Comedy
Roman comedy flourished only briefly, between the second and third Punic Wars, but its cultural-historical importance is undeniable. In these fabulae palliatae, Latin comedies
staged in Greek costume and featuring ostensibly Greek characters, Roman attitudes are
questioned and mocked, but ultimately reasserted. We will read the Menaechmi of Plautus
and the Adelphoe of Terence, two plays that burlesque the stereotypical relationships
between fathers, brothers, sons, and slaves. We will also consider selections from Cato the
Elder, Cicero's letters, and other primary and secondary texts that shed additional light on
Roman familial relationships and their place in republican society.
Format: discussion/recitation. Evaluation will be based on class participation, several short
papers, a midterm and a final exam.
Prerequisites: Latin 302 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit: 12 (expected:
8-10).
WILCOX