Menander Quotes
A collection of quotes by Menander.
Menander, often hailed as the greatest playwright of New Comedy, was a Greek poet and dramatist who flourished during the 4th century BCE. Born in Athens, Greece, around 342 BCE, not much is known about his early life and education. However, Menander's contributions to the world of theater are undeniable. His works are known for their wit, clever dialogue, and insightful portrayal of human nature.
Menander's plays focused on the lives and relationships of ordinary people, exploring themes like love, marriage, family, and social conventions. His sympathetic portrayals of characters and emphasis on human emotions made him popular among the general public. He penned over a hundred plays, out of which only the titles and fragments survive.
Despite his immense popularity during his lifetime, Menander's works largely faded into oblivion after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, his importance resurfaced during the Renaissance when his plays were rediscovered and studied by scholars. His influence on later playwrights, such as Shakespeare, Molière, and contemporary sitcoms, is evident in their use of comedic conventions and character development.
Menander's legacy lies in his transformative impact on the genre of comedy. He brought a fresh perspective to Greek theater, combining humor with social commentary, and his style continues to inspire playwrights and entertain audiences to this day.
