Menander's "Dyskolos" is a love story set in rural Attica. It follows Sostratos, a wealthy Athenian, as he pursues Myrrhine, daughter of the misanthropic Knemon. The play explores themes of love, generational conflict, and personal transformation.
Knemon's character arc is central to the story. Initially a grouchy hermit, he softens after being rescued from a well. This change of heart leads to a happy ending with two weddings and Knemon's newfound sociability.
Plot and Characters
Plot and characters of "Dyskolos"
- Play set in rural Attica near temple of Pan and the Nymphs depicts story of love and personal transformation
- Wealthy young Athenian Sostratos falls in love with Myrrhine, poor daughter of misanthropic old farmer Knemon known as "the grouch"
- Sostratos seeks help from servant Pyrrhias and Knemon's stepson Gorgias to win Myrrhine's hand in marriage
- Gorgias, in love with Sostratos' sister, agrees to assist in exchange for Sostratos' help in his own romantic pursuit
- Knemon initially opposes the marriage due to his disdain for people and social interaction
- Series of comic events and misunderstandings lead to Knemon falling into a well and being rescued by Gorgias and Sostratos
- This act of kindness softens Knemon's heart, leading him to consent to Sostratos and Myrrhine's marriage
- Play concludes with double wedding of Sostratos to Myrrhine and Gorgias to Sostratos' sister, along with Knemon's transformation into a more sociable person
Themes and Analysis
Themes in Menander's comedy
- Love as a central theme transcends social class and brings people together, as seen in Sostratos and Gorgias' romantic pursuits despite obstacles
- Generational conflict evident in relationship between Knemon and stepson Gorgias, as well as Knemon's initial opposition to Sostratos and Myrrhine's marriage
- Older generation portrayed as more set in their ways and resistant to change
- Transformative power of human interaction demonstrated through Knemon's character arc
- Knemon's misanthropic nature challenged when rescued by Gorgias and Sostratos, leading to a change in his outlook on life
- Acts of kindness and compassion can soften even the hardest of hearts and bring about positive change
Character analysis of Knemon
- Knemon initially portrayed as a misanthropic old farmer who shuns human interaction and is quick to anger
- Described as "harsh and sour to everyone" and "hating the whole human race"
- Knemon's misanthropy challenged when he falls into a well and is rescued by Gorgias and Sostratos
- This act of kindness forces Knemon to reevaluate his view of others and his own behavior
- Throughout the play, Knemon undergoes a gradual transformation as he learns to accept the help and companionship of others
- Becomes more open to the idea of his daughter's marriage and even attends the wedding feast
- By the end of the play, Knemon sheds his "grouch" persona and embraces a more sociable and accepting attitude
- Transformation serves as a testament to the power of human connection and compassion
Social commentary in "Dyskolos"
- Play highlights differences between social classes
- Sostratos and his family represent wealthy urban elite
- Knemon and Myrrhine represent poorer rural population
- Despite differences, play suggests love and human connection can bridge the gap between social classes
- Rural life depicted as simpler and more rustic compared to sophistication of the city
- Knemon's farm described as modest and his lifestyle as frugal
- Rural setting allows for inclusion of religious elements (temple of Pan and the Nymphs)
- Religion plays significant role in the play
- Characters make offerings and prayers to the gods
- Temple of Pan and the Nymphs serves as meeting place for characters and site of religious observance
- Divine intervention (Pan's influence on Knemon's rescue) can shape human events
- Menander's portrayal of rural life, social class, and religion reflects realities and beliefs of his time while exploring universal themes of love, family, and personal growth