The Plautus Thickens: Miles Gloriosus, Part I (Ad Navseam, Episode 219)

About this episode

The episode explores Roman Comedy through Plautus's play Miles Gloriosus, discussing its themes, translation challenges, and comedic elements.

This week the guys make their first foray into Roman Comedy, specifically Plautus and one of his best-known plays, Miles Gloriosus (“Major Blowhard”). After a brief digression on Doestoevsky (не спрашивай), Dave and Jeff dig into the particulars of Greek New Comedy, its influence on Roman comic poets like Plautus and Terence, as well as the challenges faced and license needed to translate such works accurately, but also make them hit for modern audiences. And then, into the play—it’s got everything: narcissistic jackanapes, sponging schnorrers, longing lovers, secret tunnels, meddling gods, and even some pirates thrown in for good measure. If you like bombast, verbal fireworks, and insouciant inanity, this ones for you. Don't forget to tune in to win a free copy of the Berg & Parker translation of Plautus and Terence: Five Comedies. Listen for the secret code word.

People in this episode

Hosts: Dave, Jeff

Topics covered

• Roman Comedy
• Plautus
• Greek New Comedy
• translation challenges
• theatrical elements
• comedic influences

Keywords

• Roman Comedy
• Plautus
• Miles Gloriosus
• translation
• comedy
• Greek New Comedy
• theater
• Doestoevsky
• Berg & Parker

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Miles Gloriosus, Plautus and Terence: Five Comedies

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