haleybre's review
4.0
Read The Brothers Menaechmus for my theater class. It was pretty funny (for being from Ancient Roman times) and easy to read.
emilylogan77's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
guojing's review
5.0
I read the third and fourth plays - Haunted House and Pot of Gold - a few months ago and really enjoyed them, so I decided a couple days ago that I should finish the book. Indeed, it was definitely worth the read.
This translation was awe-inspiring. Beautifully worded, with an almost lyrical style (forsooth, I read it mentally as if a song), clever word-play, witty witticisms. I haven't checked yet, but I do so hope that this translator has more, many more, for if he does I shall search for them (I probably have them in my collection, so many plays have I, and so few have I read), for he is a master at his craft. Rarely do I get any joy from reading English plays, those that I have read seeming stilted and fake, but not this.
As seems to be Plautus's theme, most of the characters (at least, the heroes) are slaves. His misogyny is hilarious, his love for slaves is endearing, and his oafish citizens are, well, oafish. I am tired of Shakespeare; if you want real theatrical literature, the place to go is Plautus.
This translation was awe-inspiring. Beautifully worded, with an almost lyrical style (forsooth, I read it mentally as if a song), clever word-play, witty witticisms. I haven't checked yet, but I do so hope that this translator has more, many more, for if he does I shall search for them (I probably have them in my collection, so many plays have I, and so few have I read), for he is a master at his craft. Rarely do I get any joy from reading English plays, those that I have read seeming stilted and fake, but not this.
As seems to be Plautus's theme, most of the characters (at least, the heroes) are slaves. His misogyny is hilarious, his love for slaves is endearing, and his oafish citizens are, well, oafish. I am tired of Shakespeare; if you want real theatrical literature, the place to go is Plautus.
timfrank's review
3.0
Segal's translations are good, but I hate having the notes at the back of the book rather than the bottom of the page.
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