Phormio
Phormio
Book Brief
216
Play • Fiction
Athens, Greece • Antiquity
161
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Phormio by Terence is a comedic play set in Athens, where Phaedria and Antipho, sons of two brothers, fall in love while their fathers are away. Antipho secretly marries Phanium, a poor girl, defying his father's wishes. Phormio, a cunning lawyer, uses a legal loophole to justify the marriage. When the fathers return, they try to undo it but eventually learn Phanium is indeed a relative, and Phormio outsmarts them to benefit everyone.
Humorous
Playful
Romantic
Informative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Phormio by Terence showcases incisive wit and comedic brilliance, earning praise for its clever dialogue and humorous intricacies. However, some critics find its character development lacking in depth. The play is lauded for its engaging plot and social commentary, though a few consider it less impactful compared to Terence's other works. Overall, it remains a noteworthy piece in classical literature.
Who Should Read Phormio?
A reader who enjoys Phormio by Terence would appreciate classic Roman comedy, witty dialogue, and intricately woven plots. Comparable to fans of Plautus’ The Menaechmi or Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, they savor humor rooted in mistaken identities and clever deceptions. This audience delights in both literary history and timeless comedic archetypes.
Phormio is an ancient Roman comedy by Terence, first performed in 161 BCE, and it is known for its adaptation of Greek New Comedy plays, specifically those of the playwright Apollodorus of Carystus.
The play is notable for its clever and resourceful character named Phormio, a parasitus, who orchestrates a series of humorous and complex situations, showcasing the intricacies of human relationships.
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Terence's works, including Phormio, were highly influential in the development of later Western literature and theater, with their structured plots and character-driven narratives serving as models for Renaissance playwrights like Shakespeare and Molière.
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216
Play • Fiction
Athens, Greece • Antiquity
161
Adult
14-18 years
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