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Publius Terentius AferThe most gifted representative of ancient Roman comedy, along with Plautus
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Terence: Roman Comedian and Master of Adaptation
- Adaptation and Romanization of Greek Comedy
- Influence on Roman and Later Drama
- Sветоnius's Biography
- Slavery, Education, and Patronage
- Connection to the Scipionic Circle
- Adaptation and Contamination
- Extant Comedies
- Success and Disappointment
- Departure and Death
- Elevated Language and Character Development
- Lack of Roman Content
Terence: Roman Comedian and Master of Adaptation
Early Life in CarthageTerence Publius, one of the greatest Roman comedians alongside Plautus, was born in Carthage. He later moved to Rome as a young man.
Adaptation and Romanization of Greek Comedy
Between 166 and 160 BCE, Terence adapted and reworked plays by Menander and Apollonius of Athens, including "The Girl from Andros," "The Self-Tormentor," "The Eunuch," "The Brothers," "Phormio," and "The Mother-in-Law." His approach emphasized seriousness, consistency, and the avoidance of the crude humor characteristic of Plautus's plays.
Influence on Roman and Later Drama
Terence's comedies strongly influenced subsequent Roman drama, particularly the "togata," a comedy that flourished in the mid-2nd century BCE. His work also influenced later dramatists, such as Molière. His play "The Mother-in-Law," translated into Russian by A. N. Ostrovsky, was a popular repertoire piece in Russian theaters for an extended period.
Sветоnius's Biography
The most reliable source for information about Terence's life is an ancient biography by Suetonius. Terence was born during the interval between the Second and Third Punic Wars and came from an African (or Libyan) tribe, as indicated by his nickname "Afer."
Slavery, Education, and Patronage
Terence was enslaved by Senator Terentius Lucanus, who recognized his talent and provided him with an education and eventually freed him. Terence's talent granted him access to the highest echelons of Roman society. Inspired by foreign influences, the young Roman aristocracy sought to refine their language and customs.
Connection to the Scipionic Circle
Terence joined the circle surrounding Scipio Minor and his friend Laelius. Encouraged by his patrons, he dedicated himself to comedy.
Adaptation and Contamination
Terence's plays blended elements from multiple Greek sources, demonstrating his mastery of contamination, a technique involving the combination of plots from two or more works.
Extant Comedies
All six of Terence's comedies have survived, including "The Girl from Andros," "The Mother-in-Law," "The Self-Tormentor," "The Eunuch," "Phormio," and "The Brothers." They were staged between 166 and 160 BCE.
Success and Disappointment
"The Eunuch" was a resounding success, performed twice in one day and earning awards. In contrast, "The Mother-in-Law" was poorly received, with audiences preferring acrobats and gladiators instead. "The Brothers" is now regarded as Terence's most polished and character-driven work.
Departure and Death
After the staging of "The Brothers" in 160 BCE, Terence traveled to Greece and never returned. He died in 159 BCE at the age of 25 or 35.
Elevated Language and Character Development
Terence's plays were characterized by their refinement of language and avoidance of crudity, reflecting the cultivated society in which he moved. He paid careful attention to the development of character, creating more consistent and believable types than those in Plautus's comedies.
Lack of Roman Content
Terence's comedies contained no allusions to Roman life, which contributed to their enduring appeal until the 19th century. They appealed primarily to an elite audience, earning praise from authors such as Caesar, Cicero, Horace, Persius, and Tacitus. Since ancient times, his plays have been studied in schools and have served as a source for grammarians and commentators.
