Terence

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Comic History of Rome p 210 Terence reading his Play to Caecilius

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Portret van schrijver Publius Terentius Afer Terentius in antiquo libro Vaticanae bibliothecae (titel op object), RP-P-BI-6666

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Vat. lat. 3868 4v miniature

Houghton Inc 473 - Terence, Works

Terence (Publius Terentius Afer) was a Roman playwright of the Roman Republic, active during the latter half of the 2nd century BC. Born in Carthage or possibly just brought there as a slave, Terence was later taken to Rome by a Roman senator, Terentius Lucanus, who educated him and eventually freed him because of his intelligence and talent. Terence's work had a significant influence on Latin literature and Western literature in general, contributing to the development of comedy as a literary form.

Life

Little is known about the life of Terence beyond what can be inferred from his writings and from ancient commentaries. He was born around 195 BC and died young, in 159 BC, possibly in Greece or at sea returning from Greece. Despite his short life, Terence's impact on literature was considerable. He is said to have been of Berber descent and was brought to Rome as a slave. His master, impressed by his intellect, provided him with a good education and eventually freed him. As a freedman in Roman society, Terence was able to pursue a career in writing, which was a remarkable achievement.

Works

Terence is known to have written six plays, all of which have survived. These are:

• Andria (The Girl from Andros)
• Hecyra (The Mother-in-Law)
• Heauton Timorumenos (The Self-Tormentor)
• Phormio
• Eunuchus (The Eunuch)
• Adelphoe (The Brothers)

His plays were adaptations of Greek works, specifically those of the New Comedy period of Menander. Terence's adaptations are noted for their sophisticated construction, refined social commentary, and the use of the Latin language. His work was a departure from the more robust and less refined style of his predecessor, Plautus. Terence focused on the complexities of human relationships and social norms, often employing the use of mistaken identities and misunderstandings to drive the plot.

Influence and Legacy

Terence's influence on Western literature is profound. His approach to comedy, focusing on character and situation rather than slapstick and farce, influenced Renaissance playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Molière. His works were part of the Latin curriculum throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, ensuring his influence on generations of writers and scholars.

His famous saying, "Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto" (I am a human being, I consider nothing that is human alien to me), from his play Heauton Timorumenos, encapsulates the humanist ethos that would come to characterize much of Western literature.

Textual Transmission

The survival of Terence's plays is notable given the passage of time. They were copied by hand in manuscripts throughout the Middle Ages, a testament to their value and popularity. During the 15th century, the invention of the printing press allowed for his works to be more widely disseminated, ensuring their preservation.

Conclusion

Terence's contribution to literature is not merely historical; his understanding of human nature, his sophisticated narrative structures, and his ethical concerns resonate with readers and audiences even today. His works continue to be studied, performed, and adapted, a testament to their enduring appeal.