40 pages 1 hour read

Plautus

The Braggart Soldier

Fiction | Play | Adult | BCE

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Braggart Soldier by Plautus, the boastful soldier Pyrgopolynices believes himself to be the hero, but the true protagonist is the clever slave Palaestrio. Palaestrio discovers that Pyrgopolynices has kidnapped his master’s lover and devises an intricate plan to rescue her, demonstrating his wit and honor. Through this, Plautus subverts traditional social hierarchies and critiques Roman society.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Braggart Soldier by Plautus is a comedic play that has garnered diverse critical feedback. Positively, its witty dialogue and humorous situations are praised for their timeless appeal and engaging character dynamics. However, some critiques highlight a perceived repetitiveness in the humor and a lack of depth in character development. Though the farcical elements are entertaining, they can overshadow the narrative's subtleties. MLA style example: Goyal, Tanisha. "The Braggart Soldier: Review Analysis." Journal of Ancient Literature, vol. 22, no. 3, 2023, pp. 45-47.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Braggart Soldier?

A reader who enjoys The Braggart Soldier by Plautus is likely to appreciate classic comedic literature, ancient Roman culture, and satirical plays. Fans of Aristophanes’ The Clouds and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing will find the humor and character archetypes engaging and familiar.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Beauty

Period

Ancient Rome