Definition of new comedy and references in the ancient greece

A fascinating topic!

Definition of New Comedy:

New Comedy, also known as Middle Comedy, was a type of ancient Greek comedy that emerged in the 4th century BCE. It is characterized by its focus on everyday life, ordinary people, and their relationships, rather than mythological or heroic themes. New Comedy is often contrasted with Old Comedy, which was more focused on satire, parody, and ridicule of public figures.

New Comedy typically features:

  1. Ordinary characters: Merchants, slaves, and common people, rather than gods or heroes.
  2. Domestic settings: Homes, markets, and other everyday locations.
  3. Realistic plots: Stories that are more grounded in reality, often involving love, marriage, and family.
  4. Humor: Wit, irony, and wordplay are used to create humor, rather than slapstick or physical comedy.

References in Ancient Greece:

New Comedy was a popular form of entertainment in ancient Greece, and many plays from this period have survived to the present day. Here are a few notable examples:

  1. Menander (c. 342-291 BCE): Considered one of the greatest New Comedy playwrights, Menander wrote over 100 plays, many of which have been lost. His surviving works include "The Bad-Tempered Man" and "The Girl from Samos".
  2. Plautus (c. 254-184 BCE): A Roman playwright who was heavily influenced by Greek New Comedy. His plays, such as "The Pot of Gold" and "The Two Menaechmuses", are still performed today.
  3. Terence (c. 195-159 BCE): Another Roman playwright who wrote New Comedy plays, including "The Girl from Andros" and "The Eunuch".
  4. The Dyskolos (c. 317 BCE): A play by Menander that is often cited as an example of New Comedy. It tells the story of a grumpy old man who is forced to change his ways when his daughter falls in love with a young man.

Some of the key themes and motifs in New Comedy include:

  1. Love and relationships: Romantic love, marriage, and family relationships are common themes in New Comedy.
  2. Social class: The plays often explore the social hierarchies of ancient Greece, with characters from different classes interacting and causing comedic misunderstandings.
  3. Deception and disguise: Characters often use deception, disguise, and mistaken identities to achieve their goals or resolve conflicts.
  4. Wit and wordplay: New Comedy is known for its clever use of language, with characters engaging in witty banter and clever wordplay.

Overall, New Comedy was a popular and influential form of ancient Greek theater that continues to be studied and performed today.