Casina (play)

Casina is a Latin comedy written by Plautus, likely around 186 BC. It centers on a dispute between an old man, Lysidamus, and his son, Eutychus, over the affections of Casina, a foundling raised in their household. Both men desire Casina for sexual gratification, though Lysidamus intends to have his slave Olympio marry her as a proxy, while Eutychus employs his friend Chalinus.

The play's humor arises from the farcical situations and schemes enacted by the characters as they vie for control over Casina. Much of the comedy is derived from the deception and disguise employed by the characters. Cleostrata, Lysidamus' wife, opposes his desires and cleverly manipulates events to thwart his plans.

The resolution involves the revelation of Casina's true identity as the daughter of a free citizen, rendering her marriage to a slave impossible and ultimately preventing Lysidamus from achieving his desires. The play concludes with the humiliation of Lysidamus and the triumph of virtue and familial order. Casina is a notable example of Plautus' comedic style, which includes stock characters, slapstick humor, and clever wordplay. It offers a glimpse into the social norms and attitudes towards slavery and marriage in Roman society during the 2nd century BC.