Titus Maccius Plautus, Casina

David M. Christenson (University of Arizona)

Ed. by William John Dominik, University of Otago
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.1.2: Ancient Roman Writing and Culture (Republic and Empire), -750-476.
Vol. editors: Anca Dan (École Practique de Hautes Études PSL), Martine Diepenbroek (University of Johannesburg), William John Dominik (University of Otago), Giacomo Fedeli (University of Exeter), Victoria Fendel (University of Oxford), Thomas Habinek (University of Southern California), Emily Kneebone (University of Nottingham), Elodie Paillard (University of Sydney), Sophia Papaioannou (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Guendalina Daniela Maria Taietti (University of Liverpool), Jula Wildberger (American University of Paris)

Dates

First circulation or publication c. -186 - c. -184

Places

Ancient Rome (Republic & Empire) (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes

Comedy
Play

Resources

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Casina

is Plautus’ adaptation of

Klerumenoi

or “The Lot Drawers” by the Greek comic playwright Diphilus (b. 360-350 BCE?).

Casina

most probably belongs to the very last phase of Plautus’ career. A reference in the play to Bacchic rites no longer being practiced (980) suggests that its debut dates to sometime after the Roman senate’s emergency decree outlawing worship of the god Bacchus in 186 BCE, but before the death of Plautus in 184 BCE. In addition, the play shows mature musical virtuosity and masterful manipulation of the comic conventions and techniques of New Comedy.

Casina at first appears to be a typical New Comedy built around very familiar characters and situations. Lysidamus, the patriarch (paterfamilias) of the household, is smitten with the play’s namesake, a

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1273 words

Citation: Christenson, David M.. "Casina". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 20 April 2009 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=21413, accessed 24 November 2024.]

Titus Maccius Plautus, Casina

Dates

Places

Genres and Modes

Resources

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