Captivi

The comedy Captivi comes from the pen of Plautus. He lived from about 250-184 BC change, as in all comedies of Plautus Senar iambic, trochaic septenary and the metric elusive Canticles from. The play takes place, as a Greek place was common in Aetolia.

Action

Already in the prologue is drawn to the specifics of the piece. It lacks the well-known women's roles ( courtesan, matchmaker, Wife ) and the farce is to give way to the serious. The plot is based on the old man Hegio who has two sons. One, however, was kidnapped at the age of four years by a slave, the other was taken prisoner by Elis. Then begins the old man to buy up all the prisoners of war at the praetor to exchange his son back. He acquires the rich Philocrates and its slaves Tyndarus. The father of Philocrates should have actually acquired the son of Hegios. The slave Tyndarus should therefore go to Elis, to arrange an exchange. However, master and slave have changed roles, so come Philocrates released, while the slave at Hegio remains.

Nevertheless, the story comes to a good end. Because Philocrates wants the slave who helped him to not let you down and bring back the son Hegios. In addition, there is also the former slave who ran away Hegio while the son robbed on the ship. With the help of the parasite Ergasilus comes out that it is the long lost son at Tyndarus so that Hegio at the end, overjoyed both sons can close in his arms. While pleased the parasite, the two sons, Philopolemus and Hegio to a great supper, the offender is placed in chains.

Reception

Due to the significant difference of this piece to the other comedies, there are different opinions on this. Lessing stated that the Captivi were " the most excellent piece that has ever come on the scene. " However, other voices found fault in their opinion, weak composition, which appears in some places thought little and exaggerated. The rapid return of Philopolemos of Elis was implausible.

Issues and comments

• WM Lindsay: T. Macci Plauti, Comoediae, Tome I, Oxford 1904.
• W. M. Lindsay: The Captivi of Plautus / Ed. with introduction, apparatus criticus and commentary, Cambridge 1961.
• M. Niemeyer, J. Brix: Captivi, 6th edition / edited by Max Niemeyer, Leipzig 1910.