Introduction
In Plautus’ Roman comedy Aulularia (The Pot of Gold), written in the 3rd century BCE, the central character Euclio emerges as a compelling study of human flaws, particularly greed. This essay explores the role of greed in shaping Euclio’s character development, examining how his obsession with wealth drives his actions, influences his relationships, and ultimately defines his trajectory within the play. Set in a comedic yet critical portrayal of Roman society, Euclio’s journey offers insights into the moral and social implications of avarice. The discussion will focus on three key aspects: the origins of Euclio’s greed, its manifestation in his behaviour and decisions, and the consequences of his fixation on wealth. By drawing on scholarly interpretations and textual evidence, this essay aims to provide a sound understanding of how greed functions as both a personal vice and a societal critique in Plautus’ work.
The Origins of Euclio’s Greed
Euclio’s greed is not merely a personal quirk but is deeply rooted in his circumstances and worldview, reflecting a broader commentary on human nature in Plautus’ era. At the outset of Aulularia, Euclio is depicted as a poor man who discovers a pot of gold hidden in his home, a gift from his household god, Lar Familiaris. This sudden acquisition of wealth transforms him, revealing latent insecurities about loss and poverty. As Konstan (1983) suggests, Euclio’s greed is less about the desire for more wealth and more about a paranoid fear of losing what he has gained, a trait that underscores his lack of trust in others. This fear is arguably a product of his socio-economic status; as a man of modest means in a hierarchical Roman society, the pot of gold represents not just wealth but security and status—elements he has long lacked.
Furthermore, Euclio’s greed can be seen as a reaction to his past deprivation. Plautus hints at a life of struggle through Euclio’s constant references to his humble circumstances before the discovery of the gold. This backstory, while not explicitly detailed, suggests that his obsession may stem from a scarcity mindset, where the fear of returning to poverty drives his actions. Thus, greed in Euclio is not simply a vice but a complex psychological response to his lived experience, providing a foundation for his character’s evolution—or lack thereof—throughout the play.
Manifestations of Greed in Euclio’s Behaviour
Greed manifests vividly in Euclio’s behaviour, shaping his interactions and decisions in ways that often border on the absurd, a hallmark of Plautine comedy. From the moment he discovers the gold, Euclio becomes consumed by paranoia, suspecting everyone—friends, family, and even strangers—of scheming to steal his treasure. This is evident in his relentless guarding of the pot, moving it from place to place in a futile attempt to secure it. For instance, when he suspects his slave Staphyla of snooping, his accusations are baseless yet fervent, reflecting how greed distorts his perception of reality (Plautus, trans. 1965). Such behaviour not only isolates him but also renders him a figure of ridicule, as his excessive vigilance becomes a source of comedic tension.
Moreover, Euclio’s greed directly impacts his role as a father. His refusal to provide a dowry for his daughter Phaedria, despite his newfound wealth, highlights how his avarice overrides familial duty. As Moore (1998) notes, this decision is particularly damning in a Roman context, where a father’s provision for his daughter’s marriage was a key social obligation. Euclio’s choice to prioritise his gold over Phaedria’s future illustrates the depth of his obsession, showing greed as a destructive force that erodes personal relationships. His behaviour, therefore, serves as both a personal failing and a critique of materialistic values in Roman society, a theme Plautus often explores through exaggerated character flaws.
Consequences and Character Development
The consequences of Euclio’s greed are central to understanding whether true character development occurs. On one level, his obsession leads to tangible losses; the gold is eventually stolen due to his own erratic behaviour, fulfilling the very fears that plagued him. This outcome, while tragic for Euclio, is comedic for the audience, aligning with Plautus’ intent to expose human folly. However, the question remains whether Euclio learns from this loss. Unlike characters in later literary traditions who undergo moral growth, Euclio’s development is limited. At the play’s conclusion (though the ending of Aulularia is incomplete in surviving texts), there is little evidence to suggest a profound change in his worldview. As Segal (1987) argues, Euclio remains a static figure, embodying greed as an unchangeable trait rather than a flaw to be overcome. This lack of transformation may reflect Plautus’ focus on satire over didacticism, prioritising social commentary over personal redemption.
On another level, the consequences of Euclio’s greed extend beyond personal loss to social isolation. His refusal to trust others alienates him from his community, rendering him a solitary figure despite his wealth. This isolation is particularly poignant in a Roman context, where social bonds and patronage were integral to one’s standing. Indeed, Euclio’s inability to balance personal gain with communal obligations underscores the broader implications of greed as a societal ill, a perspective that resonates with Plautus’ audience. While Euclio does not evolve in a transformative sense, his character serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the perils of unchecked avarice—a theme that remains relevant across cultural and temporal contexts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, greed plays a pivotal role in Euclio’s character development in Plautus’ Aulularia, shaping his actions, relationships, and ultimate trajectory. Emerging from a place of insecurity and deprivation, his obsession with the pot of gold manifests in paranoid behaviour and selfish decisions, particularly evident in his neglect of familial duties. The consequences of this greed—personal loss and social isolation—highlight its destructive potential, though they do not lead to significant personal growth for Euclio. Instead, his static nature reinforces Plautus’ comedic critique of avarice as a timeless human flaw. This analysis not only deepens our understanding of Euclio as a character but also invites reflection on the broader moral and social implications of greed, both in Roman society and beyond. As a subject of Classical Studies, Euclio’s story remains a valuable lens through which to examine enduring questions of wealth, morality, and human nature.
References
- Konstan, D. (1983) Roman Comedy. Cornell University Press.
- Moore, T. J. (1998) The Theater of Plautus: Playing to the Audience. University of Texas Press.
- Plautus, T. M. (trans. 1965) The Pot of Gold and Other Plays. Penguin Classics.
- Segal, E. (1987) Roman Laughter: The Comedy of Plautus. Oxford University Press.
(Note: The word count for this essay, including references, is approximately 1050 words, meeting the specified requirement of at least 1000 words.)
