Publication Date:
2018
abstract:
In this fragment, Laches gives his despotic wife Crobyle the name of “Lamia” (l. 1). This name must be understood as a reference to the monster
of the ancient popular and poetic collective image. However, if we admit that the play was staged after 306 BC, when Lamia, the mighty hetaira
of Demetrius Poliorcetes, was dwelling and increasing her personal power and privileges in Athens, this name would have also appeared
to the Athenian audience as an allusion to this woman through double entendre. In this case, the passage should be considered as an instance of
Menander’s soft onomasti satire.
of the ancient popular and poetic collective image. However, if we admit that the play was staged after 306 BC, when Lamia, the mighty hetaira
of Demetrius Poliorcetes, was dwelling and increasing her personal power and privileges in Athens, this name would have also appeared
to the Athenian audience as an allusion to this woman through double entendre. In this case, the passage should be considered as an instance of
Menander’s soft onomasti satire.
Iris type:
2.1 Contributo in volume (Capitolo o Saggio)
Keywords:
Attic comedy, political comedy, Menander, Latin comedy, satire
List of contributors:
Montana, Fausto
Book title:
Συναγωνίζεσθαι. Studies in Honour of Guido Avezzù
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