The Dramatic Values in Plautus by William Wallace Blancke
page 46 of 104 (44%)
page 46 of 104 (44%)
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PER. Nor harp nor pipes! So hurry up and get out of here, if you know what's good for you! FID. (_Stamping her foot in tearful rage._) I'll go, but you'll have to give them back later just the same and it will be all the worse for you. PER. (_Striding up and down in wildest anger._) What!... shall I let her go unpunished? Nay, even if I have to lose as much again, I'll lose it rather than let myself be mocked and despoiled with impunity!" and so on.[118] Other random scenes that may be classed as "extravagant" are found in Strobilus' cartoon of Euclio (_Aul._ 300 ff.), Demipho's discovery in the distance of a mythical bidder for the girl (_Mer._ 434 ff.), Charinus' playing "horsey" and taking a trip in his imaginary car (_Mer._ 930 ff.), and the loud "boo-hoo" to which Philocomasium gives vent (_Mil._ 1321 ff.). These all might be classed under either "farce" or "burlesque," but they seem to come more exactly under the kindred head of "extravagance." A familiar figure in modern farce-comedy is the comic conspirator with finger on lip, tiptoeing round in fear of listeners. He finds his prototype in _Trin._ (146 ff.): "(_Callicles and Megaronides converse._) CAL. (_In a mysterious whisper._) Look around a bit and make sure there's nobody spying on us--and please look around every few seconds. (_They pause and peer in every direction, perhaps creeping round on tiptoe._) |
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