In the essay below, Konstan analyzes the complex and contradictory views of love presented in The Eunuch, focusing particularly on the unresolved tension between love and commerce inherent in the situation of the courtesan Thais.
Beare's The Roman Stage, first published in 1950 and later revised, is a critically-acclaimed survey of Roman drama and its theatrical milieu. Here, he offers detailed examinations of The Girl from Andros and The Eunich and their Menandrian sources, concluding that a "deepening of sentiment … [is Terence's chief claim to originality. "]
In the following essay, Parker discusses influences on The Eunich, concluding that Terence's individuality is evident in the play's "reasoned confusion of viewpoints [and contradiction of attitudes, that mark the best comedy.']
In the essay below, Parker provides a survey of issues relating to The Eunuch, focusing especially on the influence of Plautus and Menander on Terence's work.