Hecyra story

play: Hecyra (165 BC) · 165 BC · Terence

Hecyra (English: The Mother-in-Law) is a comedic Latin play by the early Roman playwright Terence.

30 total · 12 major · 18 minor

ThemeLevelMotivation
coping with a family issue major There was a big quarrel over Pamphilus' marriage to the neighbors daughter not working out as planned.
family dispute major There was a big quarrel over Pamphilus' marriage to the neighbors daughter not working out as planned.
father and daughter major The story indirectly concerns the relationship between Philumena and her parents as she takes refuge in their house while giving birth to a child that merely by chance is her husband's.
father and son major Laches arm twisted his son, Pamphilus, into marrying Philumena and then chided him for keeping a mistress.
father-in-law and daughter-in-law major The story indirectly concerns the relationship between Philumena and her father-in-law Laches who was exerting himself to save her marriage with Pamphilus.
husband and wife major Laches and Sostrata. Pamhilus and Philumena. Philippus and Myrrina.
mother and daughter major The story indirectly concerns the relationship between Philumena and her parents as she takes refuge in their house while giving birth to a child that merely by chance is her husband's.
mother and son major Central to the story was Pamphilus and his mother Sostrata - the eponymous mother-in-law. Sostrata urged her son, Pamphilus, to give Philumena a second chance.
mother-in-law and daughter-in-law major The titular mother-in-law Sostrata was erroneously thought to have driven off her son Pamphilus' new wife Philumena.
neighbor and neighbor major Much of the story was told through the conversation between the neighbors Phidippus and Laches.