Description
Book SynopsisThis new study of Menander casts fresh light not only on the techniques of the playwright but also on the literary and historical contexts of the plays. Menander (342/1-292/1 BCE) wrote over a hundred popular comedies, several of which were adapted by Plautus and Terence. Through them, he was a major influence on Shakespeare and Molière. However, his work survived only in excerpts and quotation until some significant texts reappeared in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries on papyrus. The mystery of their loss and rediscovery has raised key questions surrounding the transmission of these and other Greek texts. Theatrical masks from the fourth century BCE discovered on the island of Lipari now also provide important material with which this book examines how the plays were originally performed. A detailed investigation of their historical setting is offered which engages with recent debates on the importance of social status and citizenship in Menander's plays. The techniques of chara
Trade ReviewThis book may be interesting to anyone wanting a general portrayal of the society forming the background to Menander's plays. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. The Treasure on the Rock: Menander and the masks and figurines from Lipari 2. All the World’s a Stage: Menander in performance 3. Alexander, Aristophanes and Beyond: Menander in context 4. Women in
Epitrepontes: Habrotonon and Pamphile 5. Slaves in
Epitrepontes: Habrotonon, Onesimos, Syros and Daos Conclusion Glossary Notes Bibliography Index
