This is the second volume from this series that I have reviewed and I notice the same breezy scholarship and knowing lightness of touch as I did in Franko's Mostellaria. To recap: these ‘Companions’ are aimed at the general, informed reader who is interested in drama.
We start with a general introduction to Plautus, Roman Comedy and this play. This is comprehensive without being overwhelming and Klein's sense of fun can be seen in the titling (TWINtroduction…..), the puns and the wordplay which pepper the text throughout the book.
The second section (Persons and Places of TWINterest….) introduces the mechanics of a singular plot and the relevance of Rome vs. Epidamnus. However, most of this section deals with the specifics of the different characters, not merely the two (or one?) protagonists. There is much nuanced and informative comment. Studying this will enhance the reading of other Roman comedies, as well as lead to an understanding of their Greek forerunners.
In the third section (TWINterplay…..) Klein deals with Comic Language and Stage Business, but this evolves into a disquisition on the mistaken identity bit, wherein – remarkably – the two Menaechmi only meet at the denouement of the plot. Klein also deals with metatheatre and Plautine language, both in wondrous and informative detail.
As is, I think, typical of these Companions, Klein's fourth section (TWINfluence….) delves into the considerable later transmission of the play and its central plot device; unsurprisingly, it is by far the longest chapter. An early Italian translation and three other dramatic progeny are covered: Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors is examined in fascinating detail. I was glad to be introduced to Les Ménechmes of J-F Regnard whose own life story reads like the plot of a comedy. Goldoni's Venetian Twins deserves to be better known. The 1938 Rodgers & Hart extravaganza, The Boys from Syracuse, merits only ten pages, although the scholarship on display is just as impressive.
There is an Appendix, detailing the works covered, useful Notes on the text and a Bibliography, both extensive, and a TWINdex (!); the book repays re-reading and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Open access
