Roman Theater and Playwrights

The video explores Roman drama, focusing on comedies influenced by Greek originals, particularly those by Plautus and Terence. It discusses stock characters and plots typical of Roman comedies, highlighting Plautus's energetic style and Terence's sophisticated approach. The video also examines Plautus's play The Monochmy and its influence on Shakespeare. It concludes with a look at Seneca's tragedies, known for their dark themes and five-act structure, reflecting the violent Roman society.

What is the primary influence on Roman comedies?

• Egyptian mythology

• Greek originals

• Persian epics

• Indian folklore

Which character type in Roman comedy is known for being a young man in love?

• Senex

• Adulas case

• Miles Gloriosus

• Servus

How many plays attributed to Plautus have definitely survived?

• 20

• 40

• 10

• 30

What is a notable feature of Plautus's plays?

• They are mostly tragedies.

• They include a lot of sung parts.

• They focus on historical events.

• They are written in prose.

Where was Terence born?

• Carthage

• Athens

• Rome

• Syracuse

What distinguishes Terence's plays from those of Plautus?

• More rowdy humor

• Use of non-Roman settings

• Deeper ironies and fewer plot holes

• Focus on historical events

What is the main plot device used in 'The Monochmy'?

• Political intrigue

• Mistaken identity

• Magic spells

• Time travel

What is a key theme in Seneca's tragedies?

• Political satire

• Human suffering and violence

• Romantic love

• Divine intervention

What structural innovation is Seneca known for in his plays?

• Seven-act structure

• Three-act structure

• One-act structure

• Five-act structure

What is debated about Seneca's plays?

• Whether they were performed or just read

• If they were based on real events

• If they were written in Greek

• Their influence on Egyptian theater