Dramatic Conflict in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was set in the 3rd century B.C., in the streets of Rome. The play is dense and full of double meanings. Every character's actions affect the behaviors of the other characters. The main conflict centers on Pseudolus, a slave in the household of Senex and Domina, a wealthy Roman family. Their son Hero has fallen for the courtesan, Philia, and yet she is to be purchased by Miles Gloriosus, a warrior. The main conflict is that Pseudolus wants to win his freedom and Hero will grant it if Pseudolus can help him win Philia. In the beginning, as Pseudolus looks on Hero and Philia, "There they are. Together. And I must keep them that way, together, if I am to be free. What to do? What to do?" (Shevelove 43). Therefore, Pseudolus also has to serve the wants of Senex and Domina while stopping the marriage of Philia and Miles Gloriosus by outfoxing everyone. .
The pubescent and love-sick Hero lives in an upper class home, but he is smitten with a courtesan, Philia, who lives in the house of Marcus Lycus. Hero enlists the help of his slave, Pseudolus, to win Philia away from the soldier who has purchased her. Hero's parents do not think he is of age to fall in love, especially not with a courtesan. As Philia admits to Hero, "I can neither sew nor cook nor read nor write my name. But I"m happy merely being lovely, for its one thing I can give to you," (Shevelove 45). Hero and Philia fall in love despite his parents wishes. Hero offers Pseudolus his freedom if he can save Philia from the soldier and help the young couple elope. Pseudolus wants to satisfy Hero's juvenile desire, but primarily he wants to win his freedom. .
Senex and Domina pretend to be a happily married couple amongst the leading citizens of Rome. Domina, though, is a meddlesome, domineering, and aging wife.