Plautus’s play The Pot of Gold stands as a sterling example of his skillful dramaturgy. Its narrative intertwines two dynamic storylines: Euclio's frantic efforts to protect his gold from thieves, and Phaedria's matrimonial offers coinciding with the birth of her illegitimate child by Lyconides. The play is renowned for its swift and purposeful pace, seamless scene transitions, and Plautus’s hallmark verbal flair, making it a quintessential farce of its time.

Plautine Drama and Influence

Drawing significant inspiration from Greek New Comedy, Plautus’s works often mirrored the conventions of nineteenth and twentieth-century musical comedies, integrating song and dance as essential narrative components. His plays, including The Pot of Gold, were typically presented by seasoned actors and were adaptations of earlier works, with speculation suggesting influences from Menander’s lost plays. Despite being incomplete, the text’s narrative can be pieced together through summaries added by later Roman editors.

Character Study: Euclio

The heart of the play is the character of Euclio, whose life of poverty and thrift shapes his miserly demeanor. Known for his extreme stinginess, Euclio’s discovery of the gold spirals into paranoia, where he distrusts even the simplest actions of others. His obsession alienates him, leaving him unaware of his daughter’s pregnancy until after the birth, illustrating the curse the gold represents. Ironically, in his desperate attempts to protect the gold, Euclio’s actions lead to its theft, heightening his frenzy.

The Unfolding Plot

As the narrative unfolds, Euclio’s misinterpretations further complicate the plot. In a humorous misunderstanding, he believes Lyconides’s confession of love for Phaedria is about the theft of his gold. The subplot involving Phaedria’s marriage to Megadorus, an older, wealthy man who is unaware of her situation, ties into Euclio’s fixation. However, when the gold is eventually returned by Lyconides, he emerges as Phaedria’s rightful suitor, likely leading to Megadorus withdrawing his offer.

Legacy and Impact

Plautus's influence extended far beyond his era, shaping European drama significantly. His play inspired adaptations by renowned playwrights like Ben Jonson, Molière, and Thomas Shadwell, with Molière’s L’Avare offering a particularly memorable portrayal of a character akin to Euclio. Similarly, Henry Fielding’s The Miser borrowed elements from Plautus’s narrative, cementing The Pot of Gold as a cornerstone in the evolution of comedic drama.