logo

40 pages 1 hour read

Plautus

The Braggart Soldier

Fiction | Play | Adult | BCE

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

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

Roundup icon

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.

Book Details
Pages

55

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Ephesus • Ancient Greece

Theme
Publication Year

-1

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.