Terence, Hecyra [Mother in Law]

JOHN THORBURN

Ed. by William John Dominik, University of Otago
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.1.2: Ancient Roman Writing and Culture (Republic and Empire), -750-476.
Vol. editors: Anca Dan (École Practique de Hautes Études PSL), Martine Diepenbroek (University of Johannesburg), William John Dominik (University of Otago), Giacomo Fedeli (University of Exeter), Victoria Fendel (University of Oxford), Thomas Habinek (University of Southern California), Emily Kneebone (University of Nottingham), Elodie Paillard (University of Sydney), Sophia Papaioannou (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Guendalina Daniela Maria Taietti (University of Liverpool), Jula Wildberger (American University of Paris)

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First circulation or publication -165

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Ancient Rome (Republic & Empire) (Country of Origin)

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Comedy
Play

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Terence’s

Hecyra

, based on Apollodorus’ Greek original, was successfully performed in 160 BC after two unsuccessful performances in 165 and earlier in 160. The play’s action occurs before the houses of two elderly Athenians, Laches and Phidippus, and Bacchis, a prostitute. In the opening scene, the prostitute Philotis and an old woman, Syra, discuss how Pamphilus, son of Laches and Myrrina, has not yet consummated his marriage to Philumena and hopes she will divorce him. Pamphilus had been having a relationship with Bacchis. When Pamphilus’ father Laches sent him abroad on family business, Pamphilus left Philumena with his mother Sostrata, but the two women’s relationship soured.

In Act II, Laches grumbles about the relationship between Philumena and his wife Sostrata, who

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974 words

Citation: THORBURN, JOHN. "Hecyra". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 November 2009 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=13480, accessed 22 November 2024.]

Terence, Hecyra [Mother in Law]

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