Menander: The Life and Works of the Ancient Greek Comic Poet

Menander was born around 342 BC in Athens and died in 290 BC. Hailing from a family of prominent intellectuals, his father was Diopeithes, a general and governor. He received a well-rounded education that instilled in him a deep appreciation for the arts, and philosophy. At the age of 20, Menander began composing his own plays, receiving critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm for his exceptional talent.

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Life and Background

Menander's rise to prominence coincided with the final decades of the Athenian Golden Age, a period of unparalleled cultural and intellectual flourishing. During this time, he established himself as a leading figure in the New Comedy movement, a theatrical form that shifted the focus from the grand, mythological narratives of the past to more intimate, character-driven stories that reflected the everyday lives and social dynamics of the Athenian populace. He wrote more than 100 comedies, but unfortunately only one has survived in total, and a few others have survived as verses. He won at the Lenaian Festivals eight times.

Menander's Contribution to Greek Comedy

Menander was a master of the New Comedy genre. Unlike the boisterous, slapstick humour of the earlier comedies of Aristophanes, Menander's plays were characterised by a more subtle and nuanced brand of humour, one that delved into the complexities of human relationships, social norms, and moral dilemmas. His plays often revolve around the lives of ordinary people, exploring themes such as love, family dynamics, social class, and the complexities of Athenian society.

Famous Works of Menander

Only a small portion of Menander's original works have endured the test of time, some of the most renowned and influential plays are as follows:

1) Dyskolos (The Misanthrope): Considered one of Menander's masterpieces. First presented at the Lenaian Festivals, it won the first prize. For a long time, it was lost, but it was discovered in Egypt in 1952, written in papyrus.

2) Epitrepontes (The Arbitration): Although not entirely preserved, most of this particular comic play has been found written on papyrus. 

3) Samia (The Woman from Samos): This play has survived under two different titles. The first, Samia, and the second, Kideia (the Sympetherio). The story centres on the complications that arise when a young man's secret mistress becomes pregnant, leading to a series of misunderstandings.

4) Perikeiromene ( The Girl with the Shorn Hair): This play delves into the themes of love, and deception, as a young woman's life is upended by a series of unexpected events. 

Relevant Articles

Aeschylus. 

Sophocles. 

Euripides.

The Art of Mimesis in Tragedy and Comedy.

The Ancient Greek Music in Theatre and Mythology.

The Comedy in Ancient Greek Theatre.

The Satyrs on Couture and Mythology.

References

Menander | Ancient Greek Comedian & Playwright. (1998, July 20). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Menander-Greek-dramatist

Menander. (2024, May 31). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menander