5.2 Middle Comedy: Characteristics and key playwrights

Middle Comedy marks a transition between Old and New Comedy, spanning 380-320 BCE. It blends elements from both eras, featuring less political satire and more developed plots and characters. This shift reflects changing societal norms and a move towards more relatable, everyday themes.

Key playwrights like Antiphanes, Alexis, and Eubulus shaped Middle Comedy's evolution. They introduced clever wordplay, plot twists, and romantic elements while reducing the chorus's role. Mythological parody remained popular, used to critique society and explore human nature through a comedic lens.

Characteristics and Key Playwrights of Middle Comedy

Characteristics of Middle Comedy

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• Transitional period between Old and New Comedy spanning approximately 380-320 BCE
  • Retains some elements of Old Comedy such as satirical themes and mythological parody
  • Introduces features that would become prominent in New Comedy including more developed plots and characters
• Reduced political satire and personal attacks compared to Old Comedy
  • Shifts focus away from mocking contemporary political figures (Cleon) and events
  • Moves towards more general social commentary and critique of societal norms and values
• Increased emphasis on plot, character development, and domestic themes
  • Features more realistic and relatable characters dealing with everyday situations (family dynamics, relationships)
  • Explores the complexities of human nature and personal growth through comedic lens
• Diminished role and importance of the chorus in advancing plot and providing commentary
  • Chorus still present but often relegated to brief appearances or musical interludes
  • Reduced interaction between chorus and characters compared to Old Comedy
• Continued use of parody and mythological themes for comedic effect
  • Adapts and subverts well-known myths (Odysseus, Heracles) and literary works
  • Uses mythological characters and settings as vehicles for social critique and exposing human foibles

Key playwrights and works

• Antiphanes (408-334 BCE), most prolific Middle Comedy playwright with over 300 attributed plays
  • Known for clever wordplay, plot twists, and witty dialogue
  • Notable works include "The Fishing Woman" (Ἁλιευομένη) and "The Rustic" (Ἀγροῖκος)
• Alexis (375-275 BCE), another highly productive playwright with over 240 attributed plays
  • Recognized for refined language, sophisticated humor, and romantic comedy elements
  • Notable works include "The Teacher of Profligacy" (Ἀσωτοδιδάσκαλος) and "The All-Night Festival" (Παννυχίς)
• Eubulus (fl. 380-330 BCE), contributed to development of romantic comedy in Middle Comedy period
  • Surviving fragments suggest focus on love, relationships, and domestic life
  • Notable works include "Antiope" (Ἀντιόπη) and "Nannion" (Νάννιον)

Chorus role and character development

• Chorus becomes less central to plot advancement and social commentary in Middle Comedy
  • Reduced choral interludes and character interactions compared to integral role in Old Comedy
  • Often serves brief, functional purpose such as musical interludes or scene transitions
• Increased focus on character development and realistic, relatable portrayals
  • More psychologically complex characters with clear motivations and personal growth
  • Explores everyday human experiences and emotions through comedic situations (falling in love, family conflicts)
• Shift towards domestic themes and social interactions reflecting changing norms and values
  • Examines family dynamics, relationships, and individual's place in society
  • Uses comedy to critique and comment on societal expectations and human behavior

Parody and mythology in plays

• Parodic adaptation and subversion of well-known mythological stories for humorous effect
  • Reinterprets epic tales (Trojan War) and tragic themes through comedic lens
  • Uses mythological characters (Zeus, Athena) in absurd, exaggerated situations to elicit laughter
• Satirical treatment of philosophical ideas, intellectual trends, and social conventions
  • Mocks and critiques prevailing beliefs, values, and practices of the time
  • Exposes human weaknesses, follies, and absurdities through comedic portrayal
• Employs mythological figures and settings as archetypal representations of human behavior
  • Uses gods, heroes, and familiar myths to comment on contemporary issues and concerns
  • Juxtaposes grandeur of mythology with mundane aspects of everyday life for comedic contrast