logo

31 pages 1 hour read

Plautus

The Brothers Menaechmus

PlautusFiction | Play | Adult

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.

Book Brief

logo
Plautus

The Brothers Menaechmus

Fiction | Play | Adult
Book Details
Pages

80

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Epidamnus • Antiquity

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Brothers Menaechmus by Plautus is a comedic tale of mistaken identity involving twin brothers, Menaechmus and Sosicles (renamed Menaechmus II), who are separated at a young age and unknowingly reunite in Epidamnus after years of searching, leading to a series of humorous and confusing encounters, including misdirected gifts, accusations, and eventual recognition, culminating in a reunion and a freed slave.

Humorous

Playful

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

4.0

98 ratings

79%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Plautus' The Brothers Menaechmus is praised for its clever plot and comedic elements, showcasing the playwright's wit and influence on later literature. Critics commend its timeless humor and exploration of mistaken identity. However, some criticize the play's pacing and repetitive structure. Overall, it remains a valuable and entertaining example of Roman comedy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Brothers Menaechmus?

A reader who enjoys The Brothers Menaechmus by Plautus likely appreciates classical Roman comedy, mistaken identities, and slapstick humor. Comparable to fans of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night or A Comedy of Errors, they enjoy witty dialogue, intricate plotting, and insights into ancient culture and societal norms.

4.0

98 ratings

79%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

80

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Epidamnus • Antiquity

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 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.