Titus Maccius Plautus, Casina

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Casina

is Plautus’ adaptation of

Klerumenoi

or “The Lot Drawers” by the Greek comic playwright Diphilus (b. 360-350 BCE?).

Casina

most probably belongs to the very last phase of Plautus’ career. A reference in the play to Bacchic rites no longer being practiced (980) suggests that its debut dates to sometime after the Roman senate’s emergency decree outlawing worship of the god Bacchus in 186 BCE, but before the death of Plautus in 184 BCE. In addition, the play shows mature musical virtuosity and masterful manipulation of the comic conventions and techniques of New Comedy.

Casina at first appears to be a typical New Comedy built around very familiar characters and situations. Lysidamus, the patriarch (paterfamilias) of the household, is smitten with the play’s namesake, a

1273 words

Citation: Christenson, David M.. "Casina". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 20 April 2009 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=21413, accessed 29 March 2024.]

21413 Casina 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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