'Hecyra: The Mother-In-Law' Summary

The play opens with Pamphilus, a young Athenian, returning home after a drunken night out. He is greeted by his servant, Sosia, who informs him that he has just married a woman named Philumena. Pamphilus is shocked and confused, as he does not remember marrying anyone. Sosia explains that Philumena's father, Phidippus, had arranged the marriage after Pamphilus had accidentally impregnated her. Pamphilus is torn between his duty to Philumena and his love for his mistress, Bacchis. He tries to avoid Philumena, but she eventually confronts him and demands his attention. Pamphilus confesses that he does not love her, but he promises to be a good husband. Philumena is heartbroken, but she agrees to stay with him. Meanwhile, Bacchis becomes jealous of Philumena and begins to plot against her. She convinces Pamphilus to divorce Philumena, but he eventually changes his mind. The play ends with Pamphilus and Philumena reconciled, and Bacchis banished from the city.