41 pages • 1 hour read
PlautusPseudolus
Fiction | Play | AdultA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In the play Pseudolus by Plautus, the clever slave Pseudolus promises his young master, Calidorus, that he will help him save his lover, Phoenicium, from being sold to a Macedonian soldier by her owner, Ballio, utilizing clever schemes and disguises. The story unfolds with various deceptions, culminating in Pseudolus's successful trick to secure Phoenicium for Calidorus.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Pseudolus by Plautus is praised for its sharp wit, clever plot, and strong character development, particularly the titular cunning slave. The play effectively critiques social norms through humor and presents timeless themes of trickery and resourcefulness. However, some critics note that the humor can feel dated, and certain cultural references may be lost on modern audiences. Overall, it remains a vibrant example of Roman comedy.
Who Should Read Pseudolus?
A reader who enjoys comedic plays featuring clever schemes and witty characters will appreciate Plautus' Pseudolus. Fans of Shakespeare's comedies, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, or classic farces like Molière's The Misanthrope, will find similar enjoyment in this entertaining ancient Roman play.