Un Commento al Curculio di Plauto (vv.1-370)

Abstract

This work is a partial commentary on Plautus’ Curculio. It comes from the lack of Curculio scientific commentaries and from the need of gathering and developing the starting points of the Plautine research. Unfortunately, the Plautine studies tradition is very ungenerous toward the Curculio. The scholars have usually dealt with the Curculio in generic works. They have sometimes studied specific features of this comedy. Before my commentary notes, there is an introduction where the whole play is examined. In my opinion, one can hardly deal with dating, model, set and so on without a look at all parts of the text. At the same time, the whole plot is considered in order to give possibility of impartial judgment on the comedy events. I have examined the first six scenes of the play (vv. 1-370). There is a short introduction to each one. The reference text is S. Lanciotti’s critical edition that was published by Quattroventi of Urbino in 2008. The few points where I don’t agree with professor Lanciotti are pointed out in the commentary notes. The history of Curculio text is discussed in the light of the choices of the most important Plautine publishers. Importance is attached with the Plautine use of the examined headwords in his whole corpus in order to notice possible trends. Puns and double meanings are discussed. Hints at the Historic, Legal and Customs substratum of the comedy age aren’t neglected. Words that allude to the stage arrangement and to the players’ movements are treated. [edited by author]