Which of Plautus' works focuses on Jupiter's love for Alcmena?

Study for the Advanced Certamen Literature Exam with engaging multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly to excel!

The correct answer is indeed Amphitryon, which is a comedic play by Plautus that centers on Jupiter's seduction of Alcmena. This play draws upon the mythological tale where Jupiter disguises himself as Alcmena's husband, Amphitryon, to engage in an affair with her while he is away at war.

Amphitryon presents themes of mistaken identity and the complexities of relationships involving divine intervention, typical elements in Plautus' work that reflect both humor and critical social commentary. The portrayal of Jupiter’s romantic pursuits and the chaos it creates in Alcmena's life serves as the main narrative drive of the play.

The other options, while important works of Plautus, do not deal with this specific myth. Menaechmi is a farcical comedy about twins that explores themes of mistaken identity but does not involve Jupiter. Poenulus, another of Plautus' comedies, focuses on themes of love and money through the story of a Carthaginian merchant. Mostellaria, also known as The Haunted House, revolves around trickery and deception regarding a supposed haunting and a forbidden love but does not reference Jupiter or Alcmena. Understanding the themes and characters in Amphitryon provides insight into

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