⚡️Greek and Roman Comedy Unit 12 – Greek vs. Roman Comedy: A Comparison

Historical Context

• Greek comedy originated in Athens during the 5th century BCE as part of religious festivals honoring Dionysus
• Old Comedy (486-404 BCE) was characterized by political satire, personal attacks, and bawdy humor (Aristophanes)
• New Comedy (323-263 BCE) focused more on domestic situations, stock characters, and romantic plots (Menander)
• Roman comedy emerged in the 3rd century BCE, heavily influenced by Greek New Comedy
  • Adapted Greek plays to suit Roman tastes and values
  • Flourished during the Republican period (Plautus, Terence)
• Roman plays were performed during religious festivals and public events, often funded by wealthy patrons

Key Playwrights and Works

• Aristophanes (Greek Old Comedy)
  • Known for political satire and fantastical plots
  • Notable works: The Clouds, The Birds, Lysistrata
• Menander (Greek New Comedy)
  • Focused on domestic situations and stock characters
  • Notable works: Dyskolos (The Grouch), Samia (The Woman from Samos)
• Plautus (Roman Comedy)
  • Adapted Greek plays with a focus on witty dialogue and physical humor
  • Notable works: Menaechmi (The Twin Brothers), Miles Gloriosus (The Braggart Soldier)
• Terence (Roman Comedy)
  • Known for more refined language and complex characters
  • Notable works: The Brothers (Adelphoe), The Eunuch (Eunuchus)

Structural Elements

• Greek Old Comedy typically consisted of three main parts:
  • Parabasis: Chorus directly addresses the audience, often with political commentary
  • Agon: Debate between two characters representing opposing viewpoints
  • Episodes: Scenes that advance the plot, interspersed with choral interludes
• Greek New Comedy and Roman Comedy had a more structured five-act format:
  • Prologue: Introduces the plot and characters
  • Protasis: Sets up the conflict
  • Epitasis: Complicates the conflict
  • Catastrophe: Resolves the conflict
  • Epilogue: Concludes the play, often with a moral lesson
• Both Greek and Roman comedies featured a chorus, though its role diminished over time

Character Types and Roles

• Stock characters were common in both Greek New Comedy and Roman Comedy:
  • Senex: Elderly father figure, often strict or miserly
  • Adulescens: Young man in love, usually the protagonist
  • Virgo: Young woman, love interest of the adulescens
  • Servus: Clever slave who aids the adulescens
  • Miles Gloriosus: Boastful soldier, often a rival to the adulescens
• Character roles in Greek Old Comedy were more diverse and often allegorical or satirical
  • Represented political figures, abstract concepts, or stereotypes
  • Used masks and costumes to exaggerate features and convey character traits

Themes and Social Commentary

• Greek Old Comedy often addressed political and social issues of the time
  • Criticized prominent figures, policies, and institutions
  • Explored themes of war, justice, and the role of the citizen
• Greek New Comedy and Roman Comedy focused more on universal themes
  • Love, family relationships, and social class
  • Moral lessons and the triumph of wit over adversity
• Roman Comedy also incorporated uniquely Roman concerns
  • The role of slaves in society
  • The importance of honor and reputation
  • The influence of Greek culture on Roman life

Performance Practices

• Greek plays were performed in outdoor theaters during religious festivals
  • Large, circular orchestra for the chorus
  • Raised stage for the actors
  • Simple sets and minimal props
• Roman plays were performed on temporary wooden stages in public spaces
  • More elaborate sets and stage machinery
  • Actors wore masks and colorful costumes to denote character types
• Music and dance were integral to both Greek and Roman comedy
  • Chorus performed songs and dances between episodes
  • Actors sometimes accompanied by musicians playing flutes or percussion

Language and Humor Styles

• Greek Old Comedy featured bold, obscene language and personal attacks
  • Puns, wordplay, and sexual innuendo were common
  • Satirical references to current events and public figures
• Greek New Comedy and Roman Comedy used more refined, everyday language
  • Witty dialogue and clever wordplay
  • Physical humor, slapstick, and situational irony
• Plautus was known for his use of puns, alliteration, and musical elements in his plays
• Terence was praised for his elegant style and more complex characterizations

Legacy and Influence

• Greek and Roman comedy had a lasting impact on Western literature and theater
  • Influenced Renaissance playwrights (Shakespeare, Molière)
  • Inspired the development of commedia dell'arte in Italy
• Stock characters and plot devices from ancient comedy continue to appear in modern works
  • Sitcoms, romantic comedies, and farces
  • The "clever servant" archetype (e.g., Jeeves in P.G. Wodehouse's novels)
• Many ancient comedies have been adapted, translated, and performed in modern times
  • Provide insight into the social, political, and cultural world of ancient Greece and Rome
  • Demonstrate the enduring appeal of humor and the human experience across time and culture