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40 pages 1 hour read

The Braggart Soldier

Fiction | Play | Adult | BCE

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Book Brief

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Plautus

The Braggart Soldier

Fiction | Play | Adult | BCE
Book Details
Pages

55

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Ephesus • Ancient Greece

Theme
Publication Year

-1

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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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.

Humorous

Playful

Romantic

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.

Character List

Pyrgopolynices

A boastful soldier whose name means "capturer of towers and cities," but who ironically has not accomplished the feats he brags about. His exaggerated sense of self-importance makes him susceptible to flattery and trickery.

The clever and opportunistic parasite to Pyrgopolynices, whose name means "bread-eater." He flatters the soldier with fabricated stories to secure his meals and plays a crucial role in humorously highlighting Pyrgopolynices’s gullibility.

Pyrgopolynices’s elderly neighbor who aids in the plan to reunite Philocomasium with her lover. Though he bristles at being considered old, he remains energetic and quick-witted in supporting Palaestrio's schemes.

The witty and intelligent slave who becomes the protagonist by orchestrating a complex plan to free Philocomasium. His cleverness and loyalty to his master make him central to the unfolding events.

A slave woman who resists being deceived by Palaestrio after witnessing an incriminating scene, but ultimately prioritizes self-preservation. Her actions add to the complexity and humor of the plot.

The kind but somewhat clueless original master of Palaestrio, who is deeply in love with Philocomasium. His good intentions are sometimes undermined by his inability to follow plans without error.

A drunken slave who provides comic relief during his brief appearance. He is comically apathetic and chooses to avoid trouble by hiding.

A clever and resourceful courtesan kidnapped by Pyrgopolynices, who uses her acting skills to engineer her escape. Her bravery and intelligence play a critical role in the success of the escape plan.

A courtesan hired to seduce Pyrgopolynices as part of the plot, who is witty and capable. She adeptly plays her role in deceiving the soldier, showcasing her disdain for him.

Acroteleutium’s sharp and sarcastic maid who assists in the scheme to mislead the soldier. Her intelligence and humor add depth to the plan and highlight gender dynamics within the comedy.

A minor but amusing character who reassures Periplectomenus of his competence in the plot against Pyrgopolynices. He summarizes the soldier’s downfall with comic flair.

Periplectomenus’s cook who hilariously menaces Pyrgopolynices with a knife to extract a ransom. Her threatening demeanor underlines the play’s comedic resolution.

Book Details
Pages

55

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Ephesus • Ancient Greece

Theme
Publication Year

-1

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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