Labienus and Sceva: Two Classical Supporting Characters and Their Early Modern Dramatic Life in Fletcher and Massinger’s <i>The False One</i>

Authors

  • Miryana Dimitrova Independent scholar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12745/et.18.1.1167

Keywords:

Titus Labienus, Cassius Scaeva, Julius Caesar, Commentaries, Fletcher, Massinger, <i>The False One</i>

Abstract

This note explores the early modern dramatic reception of two characters, Titus Labienus and Cassius Scaeva, featuring in Julius Caesar’s Commentaries and subsequently reincarnated in Fletcher and Massinger’s The False One (ca 1620). I investigate the ostensible reversal in the depiction of status and dramaturgical importance of the two characters in the play as compared to the Commentaries. Since Lucan’s Civil War, accepted as a major source of the play, marginalises Labienus and elevates Scaeva’s exploits into a major scene, this note considers the extent to which Lucan’s epic poem conditions the dramatic portrayal of Labienus and Scaeva.

Author Biography

Miryana Dimitrova, Independent scholar

Miryana Dimitrova (miryana.dimitrova@gmail.com) is an independent scholar. She obtained her PhD from the Classics department at King’s College, University of London, where she worked under the supervision of Prof. Edith Hall. Her research is in the field of the classical reception studies with particular focus on the reception of Julius Caesar and other Roman historical personalities in drama.

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Published

2015-06-30

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Note

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