RE-EXAMINING THE PORTRAYAL OF SLAVES AND FREEDMEN IN SELECTED PLAYS OF PLAUTUS AND TERENCE

Abstract

This study re-examines the portrayal of slaves and freedmen in Roman comedy, focusing on Terence’s Adelphoe and Plautus’ Pseudolus and Menaechmi. Roman comedy, no doubt, reinforces and distorts societal structures through humour and exaggeration. By contextualising these portrayals within the broader socio-political realities of Rome, this study underscores the dual function of Roman comedy as both entertainment and indirect social commentary. Employing a qualitative research method, this study presents an analytical examination of Roman literature and plays to reveal the different roles of slaves and freedmen as portrayed in Roman comedy. While not introducing wholly new interpretations, this re-examination sheds light on aspects that have been under-explored, encouraging further discussion on how ancient literature selectively constructs and critiques social identity. This research contributes to the body of knowledge in Classical Studies by re-assessing familiar tropes within a framework that emphasises their performative and ideological significance.