The Comedies
by Publius Terentius Afer, Terence

Name: The Comedies
Brand: Publius Terentius Afer
SKU: 9780140443240
Rating: 3.78 (1271 reviews)

The Comedies Book Cover — The Comedies Cover

Highlights

Greek & Roman

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate 'The Comedies' for its humorous and timeless take on family and social dynamics that still resonate today. Many find Terence's character development to be engaging and his works to have influenced later literature, including Shakespeare. However, some critics note that certain themes and structures may feel repetitive or problematic in a modern context.

Timeless humor and relevanceStrong character developmentEngaging and entertaining plotsRepetitive themes in the plays

Synopsis

The Roman dramatist Terence (c. 186-159 BC) adapted many of his comedies from Greek sources, rendering them suitable for audiences of his own time by introducing subtler characterization and more complex plots.

In his romantic play, The Girl from Andros

, Terence portrays a love affair saved by a startling discovery.

The Self-Tormentor focusses on a man's remorse after sending his son to war, and The Eunuch depicts a case of mistaken identity.

Phormio is as rich in intrigue as a French farce, while The Mother-in-Law shows two families striving to save a marriage and The Brothers contrasts strict and lenient upbringings.

With their tight plots and spare dialogue, Terence gave his plays a sense of humanity that became a model in the Renaissance and greatly influenced Molière.

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