The Language of Classical Literature42- Demonstrative Reference in Plautus

This is the first comprehensive monograph about demonstratives in Plautus. It combines quantitative analyses of the morphosyntactic behaviour of demonstratives establishing situational (extra-linguistic) and recognitional (mnemonic) reference with qualitative analyses of their dramatic function in Plautus’ comedies. This is the first comprehensive monograph about demonstratives in Plautus. It uses advanced statistical methods to analyze the morphosyntactic and semantic properties of demonstratives establishing situational (extra-linguistic) and recognitional (mnemonic) reference, thus providing new insights into demonstratives in Latin while also illustrating the great potential of quantitative methodologies for research in Latin linguistics. Furthermore, the specific referential properties of these demonstratives are shown to contribute significantly to two characteristic features of Plautine drama: the construction of fictional worlds that are not fully separate from reality and the close relationship between the characters and the audience.