Michael Frost (Hillsdale College)
An analysis of the greetings used by Demea and Syrus in Terence’s Adelphoe shows that both characters go beyond the bounds of Roman propriety when it comes to forms of address, in ways that reveal their character. Knowing what kinds of greeting are normal in Roman comedy and what exactly is polite or impolite helps clarify how characters and character interactions should be understood. In the Adelphoe, the slave Syrus diverges from expected behavior by using overly familiar language with superiors and even by insulting Demea. This strengthens his characterization as a clever slave who masterminds much of the plot, manipulates his superiors, and pays little heed to his expected role as submissive servant. As a mature free-born man, Demea breaks social norms first by rudely addressing his brother throughout the first half of the play. This helps establish him as brusque, unsophisticated, and angry. After his change of heart, he defies expectation in the opposite way, by giving effusive greetings towards even rude slaves. By their contrast with his earlier rudeness and formality, these familiar salutations add to the comedy of the scene and highlight Demea’s sharp transition in behavior. Thus even the use of simple greeting formulas help to reveal character in Roman comedy.