Hero in Plautus’ “Pseudolus” Play

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Plautus’ reflections
The end
References

Introduction

The Roman playwright has written the play, Pseudolus, as a means of creating a hero whose worth does not derive from class or worth in society. Rather his worth is based on native intelligence and his compassion towards those whom he helps – be he slave or master. He is some kind of Robin Hood of the times when Plautus lived.

Plautus’ reflections

“As in both the plays of Aristophanes and Mevander, the Roman playwright Plautus addresses the issue of class consciousness and status in his works. Plautus particularly addresses the influence that class and status had on ancient Roman society and thinking. This is clear throughout his play, Pseudolus, in which each of the characters is developed based on their class and status. Their actions are reflections of how the issues of class, wealth and status influenced Plautus, and through his plays, influenced Roman Society.” (Mosaic: para 1)

Pseudolus does not manipulate the upper classes for self-aggrandizement, though he may be a trickster. He does it to help others. However, after twisting his plans, he benefits himself at the same time. For instance, by helping the lovesick Calidorus, he ingratiates himself towards him.

Calidorus, the son of Pseudolus’ master, Simo, is a naïve young fellow. He is representative of the higher class, which automatically should endow him with power. However, he dumps the problem on Pseudolus, thereby becoming dependent on the slave. “Help me: what should I send this man?/ To stop my girl from going on sale?” In his desperation, he allows Pseudolus to boss him. He cannot fight his own battles.

Plautus uses Calidorus as a character in the play to demonstrate how class and wealth do not necessarily go hand-in-hand with power. Plautus was making a statement about judging a person based only on wealth and class. Calidorus is an amiable character but not influential. He wields a key role but is not a striking force behind the action.

Ballio is a wealthy slave dealer and pimp. He plays the villain in the play. He is a manipulative character and is in a position of power over his slaves and Calidorus who belongs to a higher class but who is unable to stand up to Ballio’s villainous double-dealing.

While Ballio is wealthy and powerful, he is not at all likable. Plautus uses him as an example of how wealth and power have the potential to corrupt. While Calidorus is wealthy but not powerful, he is likable. Ballio, on the other hand, is wealthy and powerful but detestable. Plautus uses these characters as a means of proving to the society of his time how wealth and power count very little towards evaluating human worth.

Simo, the father of Calidorus, plays the role of the upper-class man who is somehow tricked into losing money to a poor slave of his – Pseudolus. He has the power to deny the bet money to the latter, yet being dignified, he keeps his promise… Finally, at the play’s end, Simo and Pseudolus are closer to equals in terms of their power. Pseudolus has won the bet by outsmarting his master, Simo since he is fair keeps his end of the bargain.

The end

The play ends well – love winning out in the end. Through Pseudolus, Calidorus can obtain the money to redeem the slave girl, Phoenicium whom he loves –thanks to our hero, Pseudolus, who never fails to help those who are dear to him using this courage and cunning.

References

Mosaic of Actors Preparing to Perform a Play. 2008. Web.

McFarland, R., Pseudolus Masterplots, Masterplots, Revised Second Edition by Salem Press, Inc. 1996.

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Hero in Plautus’ “Pseudolus” Play

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