menande

Menande, also known as Menander, was a prominent Greek playwright of the New Comedy period. He was born in Athens in 342/341 BCE and died in 291/290 BCE. Menander was the nephew of the playwright Alexander the Aetolian. He was a student of theatrical theory and became one of the most celebrated and prolific dramatists of his time, though only fragments of his vast output survive.

His plays are characterized by their focus on everyday life, domestic situations, and romantic entanglements. Unlike the Old Comedy of Aristophanes, Menander’s works eschewed political satire and often featured stock characters such as clever slaves, stern fathers, and young lovers. The plots typically revolved around mistaken identities, unexpected discoveries, and eventual happy resolutions, often involving the reunion of lost family members. His comedies provided a lighter, more refined form of entertainment.

Menander’s influence on later European drama, particularly on Roman comedy writers like Plautus and Terence, was profound. Many of their plays are adaptations or direct translations of Menander’s works. While most of his plays have been lost, significant discoveries, such as the nearly complete play *Dyskolos* (The Grouch) in 1957, and substantial fragments of others like *Aspis* (The Shield) and *Samia* (The Girl from Samos), have allowed for a greater appreciation of his artistry and thematic concerns. His reputation as a master craftsman of comedy has endured through the centuries.

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