Titus Maccius Plautus Menaechmi or The Twin Brothers

Learning objectives Identify the characteristics of Roman literature. Outline the plot and central message of Plautus’ Menaechmi (2). Explain and evaluate the general significance Plautus and his work. (1, 3) For what other purposes is this story adapted in the modern era? In contemporary time? (4-5) or in what way(s) are these stories important or relevant now? (5)

Outline major plot points

Characteristics of Roman Literature and Epic Historicizes the development of the Roman world Borrows from conquered cultures Political and secular components. Christians argue that there are religious components that nod to the coming of Christ. Epic poems frequently use the same meter. For more on structure click here dactylic hexameter or heroic hexameterclick here Criticisms: Everything is a copy All literature serves as propaganda for the empire Resources: History of the Roman Empire through maps

Plautus

Roman Theater Before 55 BCE Four big public festivals The stage The costumes The masks

Stock characters See if you can identify the Plautus’ stock characters within the play we are studying. The Parasite The Tricky slave The Young Lover The Courtesan The Old Man

Think Tank How is Plautus’ work demonstrative of Roman literature? How does this work implement elements of New Comedy (developed by Menander)?

Meaning and Relevance For what other purposes is this story adapted in the modern era? In contemporary time? (4-5) In what way(s) are these stories important or relevant now? (5)

Adaptations Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors The Film Big Business (1988) What else?

Learning objectives Identify the characteristics of Roman literature Outline the plot and central message of Plautus’ Menaechmi (2). Explain and evaluate the general significance Plautus and his work. (1, 3) For what other purposes is this story adapted in the modern era? In contemporary time? (4-5) or in what way(s) are these stories important or relevant now? (5)