PLAUTUS

GENERALIZATION:
While the plays of Plautus (and Terrence) are entertaining, they are not nearly as profound or significant as the plays of the great Greek playwrights.  However, they are an immensely valuable historical source--though a source that must be used with some caution.
ID'S:
PLAUTUS, PSEUDOLOS, THE POT OF GOLD, THE BROTHERS MENAECHMUS, THE SWAGGERING SOLDIER, THE PRISONERS

    I.  Aspects of Roman history illustrated by Roman comedy
    A.  Day to day life
    B.  Activities of "average" Roman
    1.  Slaves
        2.  Women
        3.  Soldiers
    D.  Interaction between Romans
    1.  Marriage, male/female relationships
    2.  Relationships between masters and slaves
    E.  Roman values (attitudes toward foreigners, sex,
    family, honesty, business ethics, etc.)
    F.  Roman taste
    G.  Roman sense of humor
    H.  Roman religion
    I.  Other aspects of Roman history illustrated by plays

 II.  Plautus: Background

III.  Discussion of The Swaggering Soldier
  A. Review of setting, plot, character, theme, tone
  B. Aspects of Roman history illuminated by this play
  C. Limitations of this play as a source for Roman history

 IV.  Discussion of The Prisoners
  A. Review of setting, plot, character, theme, tone
  B. Aspects of Roman history illuminated by this play
  C. Limitations of this play as a source for Roman history

V.  Other Plautus (and Terrence) plays
(Be ready to add to class discussion your observations on Pot of Gold, Pseudolos, and/or The Brothers Menaechmus)