Cum latranti/fraganti nomine: a possible reading of Plautus Casina 31-34

Abstract

The title of the comedy transmitted as Casina has been discussed by the main Plautine critics, especially because of the enigmatic verses 31-34, which offer an alternative translation of the original Greek title (Sortientes) and, moreover, describe as “barking” (latranti) a name that, from its etymology, recalls a spice and seems to have no connection with dogs. Our paper aims to contribute to the discussion, holding the view that the name Casina may be explained as an anagram of the words casia and canis, which remit to the semantic fields of scents and animals, and are related all over the comedy with two female characters: the elusive and ideal Casina, and the too concrete and real Cleostrata. Assuming the authenticity of the transmitted title, we suggest reading this passage of the prologue as a clue of the central subject of the comedy: the substitution of the matrona for the pleasing lover, with the resulting mockery and punishment of the senex.