The matrona in Plautus

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the characterizations of the matronae who appear in Plautus’ plays and to challenge the assumption that Plautus’ matronae are stock characters. The argument presented is that Plautus varied the characterization of his matronae to fit plot exigencies - thereby undermining the stereotypical description of them presented by other characters. Each matrona has specific dramaturgical functions and has been endowed by Plautus with characteristics that cause her to differ in some respect from the others. This assertion is defended through an examination of the characterizations of the following matronae: Cleustrata in the Casina, Artemona in the Asinaria ,Dorippa in the Mercator, Matrona in the Menaechmi, Alcumena in the Amphitruo, Phanostrata in the Cistellaria, and Panegyris and her sister in the Stichus. INDEX WORDS: Plautus, matrona, uxor dotata, Casina, Asinaria, Mercator, Menaechmi, Amphitruo, Cistellaria, Stichus.