The Arbitration: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Arbitration: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and moral dilemmas faced by its characters, set against a backdrop of familial and societal expectations. Central to the narrative is Pamphila, the daughter of Smicrines, whose life takes a tumultuous turn after being ravished by Charisius during a drunken revelry. Their eventual marriage complicates matters further when Pamphila bears a child that Charisius initially disavows, leading to a series of events that explore themes of recognition, responsibility, and redemption.
Charisius is depicted as an upright Athenian who grapples with the consequences of his actions, while Smicrines adds a paternal perspective to the unfolding drama. In contrast, the character Habrotonon, initially a slave girl and later revealed to be Smicrines' lost daughter, plays a pivotal role in reuniting the estranged couple. Other characters, such as Onesimus, Charisius' slave, and Chaerestratus, his friend who marries Habrotonon, enrich the narrative with their diverse backgrounds and motivations. The story reflects on the complexities of love, identity, and societal duty through its multifaceted characters, inviting readers to consider their own interpretations of justice and forgiveness.
The Arbitration: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Menander
Genre: Play
Locale: A suburb of Athens
Plot: Comedy of manners
Time: Fourth century b.c.e.
Pamphila (PAM-fih-luh), Smicrines' daughter. She is ravished by an unknown, drunken young man who leaves his signet ring at the scene. She later marries her ravisher, Charisius, and bears his child. The baby is left exposed in the hills, along with the signet ring. The baby, found by peasants, is identified by the ring and returned to its rightful parents.
Charisius (kay-RIH-see-uhs), an upright young Athenian. During a drunken revel, he ravishes Pamphila, whom he later marries without remembering her as his victim. Disavowing the child he learned was born to his wife during his absence, he leaves home and spends his substance on the slave girl, Habrotonon. He is reunited with his wife after Habrotonon identifies Pamphila as his companion at the revel of a year before.
Smicrines (SMIH-krih-neez), Pamphila's father.
Habrotonon (ha-BROH-teh-non), a pretty slave woman who turns out to be Smicrines' long-lost daughter. As companion of Charisius after he learns that his wife has born a child whom he disclaims, she brings about the reunion of the husband and wife by identifying Pamphila as Charisius' victim on the night of the revel. She marries Chaerestratus.
Onesimus (oh-NEH-sih-muhs), Charisius' slave.
Chaerestratus (kee-REHS-treh-tuhs), Charisius' friend, who marries Habrotonon.
Sophrona (SOH-freh-nuh), Pamphila's nurse.
Davus (DA-vuhs), a goatherd who discovers Pamphila's baby in the hills.
Syriscus (sih-RIHS-kuhs), a charcoal burner who adopts Pamphila's baby.
Carion (KAY-ree-uhn), a vain, prying cook.