Innuendo and the Audience

This chapter continues the investigation of Plautus’ use of irony and innuendo. Jokes and riddles in Poenulus, Rudens, Amphitryo, and Stichus suggest that characters’ onstage actions occasionally betray their claims or that the jokes they make sometimes presuppose a Greek background. Discussion then turns to the composition and character of Plautus’ audience. Contrary to many prevailing views, it is concluded from archaeological, demographic, and literary evidence that Plautus’ primary audience was essentially aristocratic, alert, well educated, philhellenic, sophisticated, and reasonably well acquainted through education with Greek literature and culture, including the comedy of Menander and Greek oratory. Extended discussions include the Roman “Bacchanalia affair” of 186 bc alongside Plautus’ Truculentus and a speech of Hyperides, connections between the poetry of Sappho and Plautus’ Miles Gloriosus and Curculio (Gorgylio), and connections between the poetry of Callimachus and Plautus’ Pseudolus (Pseudylus). It is concluded that Plautus should be seen as an author in tune with the poetic currents and developments of the contemporary Hellenistic world rather than wholly divorced from them.

Media studies · Sociology · Classical Antiquity Studies · Psychology