Spoofing Roman Society in Art

Roman Theatre

1. Appeal to Slaves and Free Citizens

"Pseudolus" held wide appeal across different segments of Roman society through its humorous depiction of social norms, clever dialogues, and the inversion of traditional roles. For slaves, the character of Pseudolus would be particularly appealing as he embodies the archetype of the servus callidus—a slave who is more intelligent and capable than his masters. The play humorously subverts the existing social order by allowing a slave not only to outwit the free characters but also to achieve his goals, offering a form of escapism and perhaps a subtle critique of the rigid Roman social hierarchy. For example, Pseudolus' plot to secure Phoenicium's freedom through deception and his direct engagement with the audience (Act One, Scene 2) showcases his cleverness, and would have appealed to slaves by depicting one of their own in a position of control and influence. His plot to substitute the messenger with his own accomplice to trick Ballio unfolds in the interactions starting in Act Two (p. 42) where he concocts his plan.

For free citizens, especially those of the lower economic strata, Pseudolus' schemes against the miserly pimp Ballio and the subsequent victories could serve as a comedic reassurance that wit and ingenuity can triumph over wealth and power. The scene where Pseudolus openly mocks Ballio and plans to trick him (Act Two, Scene 2) could be seen as particularly satisfying, humorously addressing social frustrations with these figures. Moreover, the play mocks the pretensions of the soldier and the pimp, characters that free citizens might have viewed with a mix of disdain and rivalry, thus offering a form of social commentary wrapped in humor. This is evident in the early acts where Pseudolus first outlines his plan to help Calidorus, demonstrating his resourcefulness and boldness (p. 40).

2. Pseudolus as the Servus Callidus

Pseudolus perfectly fits the mold of the servus callidus, displaying intelligence, plotting, and a behavior uncharacteristic of a slave, such as offering moral advice and addressing the audience directly. His ability to manipulate situations to his and his master's son's advantage, his clever use of language, and his moral commentary not only drive the plot forward but also elevate his status from a mere slave to the play's protagonist and hero (p. 42).

Pseudolus devises a complex scheme to help his young master, Calidorus, win the heart of the courtesan Phoenicium, despite the financial and social obstacles in their way. His plans involve tricking both Ballio, the pimp, and Harpax, the soldier’s servant, and thus show his intelligence and his cunning ability to plot.

Pseudolus often acts more like a free man than a slave, negotiating, plotting, and even gambling, behaviors that would typically be beyond the scope of a slave's role in Roman society.

Though primarily focused on achieving his goals through trickery, Pseudolus occasionally offers insights or commentary on the nature of love, freedom, and justice, presenting a more nuanced character capable of moral reasoning.

By directly engaging with the audience, Pseudolus breaks the fourth wall, a technique that not only endears him to the audience but also elevates his role from a character in the narrative to a commentator on the action, further distinguishing him from the typical servus character. He jokes at the end, that since the audience would be unlikely to invite him anywhere he will not invite them for a drink, which he and Simo go to enjoy (p. 93). However, he does say: “But (1335) if you want to give us your applause and approve of this troupe and play, I’ll invite you for tomorrow” (p. 93) in his typical wit. Indeed, Pseudolus' wit is not limited to his schemes; it thus also shines through in his use of language, puns, jokes, and clever wordplay, which adds to the humor of the play and shows off his intelligence and creativity.