Architectus, moechus, sycophanta, supremus and summus are some of the epithets adopted by Plautus’ Amphitruo characters when referring to Jupiter. The term architectus (“architect”), pronounced by Mercury in the initial part of the prologue, seems to be a programmatic key definition for Jupiter; as it alludes on the one hand to his conventional image of architect-God and on the other hand to the role of author of all trickeries and deceptions, which is in fact played by Jupiter in this comedy. Thus, Mercury calls later his father with expressive, folk epithets, such as moechus (“lover”) and sycophanta (“deceiver”). Amphitryon and Alcmene however, being unaware of Jupiter’s involvement in the events, invoke his help, attributing to him traditional adjectives like supremus (“supreme”) and summus (“the highest”).
Moechus (e) supremus: gli epiteti di Giove nell'Amphitruo di Plauto
Simona Parisi
2014-01-01
Abstract
Architectus, moechus, sycophanta, supremus and summus are some of the epithets adopted by Plautus’ Amphitruo characters when referring to Jupiter. The term architectus (“architect”), pronounced by Mercury in the initial part of the prologue, seems to be a programmatic key definition for Jupiter; as it alludes on the one hand to his conventional image of architect-God and on the other hand to the role of author of all trickeries and deceptions, which is in fact played by Jupiter in this comedy. Thus, Mercury calls later his father with expressive, folk epithets, such as moechus (“lover”) and sycophanta (“deceiver”). Amphitryon and Alcmene however, being unaware of Jupiter’s involvement in the events, invoke his help, attributing to him traditional adjectives like supremus (“supreme”) and summus (“the highest”).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
