Doing Things with Words in Plautus’ Pseudolus

Abstract

The article proposes a linguistic analysis of the pragmatic component of the dialogical exchange in Plautus’ Pseudolus in order to shed some light on the verbal behaviour of the main character. After examining two particularly important scenes in the play (Pseud. 1–132, 415–574) it is stated that the source of Pseudolus’ influence is the illocutionary level of his speech.