Drama Literary form in which actors represent the characters on a stage or the selection is written to be performed

Poetic drama Drama that is written in verse

Tragedy Drama ending with the death of the hero or with the hero alive but spiritually crushed

Comedy A drama in which there is a general movement from sadness to happiness

About Oedipus Rex (Oedipus the King)

Written by Sophocles in performance format around 430 B.C.

Sophocles lived in Greece from 496 B.C. through 406 B.C.

Sophocles wrote over 100 plays, only 7 have been preserved

Used a common myth, well-known to audience Greek plays were based on myths that use universal problems to enhance their credibility and timelessness

Greek Drama Evolved from religious ceremonies dedicated to Dionysus Chants of a chorus ….leaders of different sections of the chorus speaking out….characters speak and interact

Typical features of a Greek drama: 1. strict unity of time, place, and action 2. effective use of irony 3. characters that are thoroughly human

Greek tragedy deals with What is a human being’s place in the universe?

Prologue (prologo) Introductory scene Provides exposition …and exposition is….?

in medias res Literally, “in the middle of things” Action starts at a critical point

Chorus A group of men (and women), of lower social rank than the chief characters, but interested in the chief characters’ destinies

Number ranges from 12 to 15 Led by a “leader” who sometimes speaks alone and even acts as a character Choral odes (songs) are sung in strophes and antistrophes

Strophe initial verses of the choral song Antistrophe the answering verses of the song

The opening song of the chorus in Greek drama Parados The opening song of the chorus in Greek drama Gives further introduction and establishes the appropriate emotional tone

Exodus (exodos) Final song of the chorus or leader of the chorus Opportunity for a dramatist to show off his rhetorical abilities Final statement of theme

Four functions of the chorus Provides background information Comments on the action and interprets the moral significance of events

3. Represents a specific force affecting the characters, i. e 3. Represents a specific force affecting the characters, i.e. functions like a minor character 4. Provides a lyric (song) variation on the themes of the work.

An incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs Irony An incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs

Dramatic irony Occurs when audience knows more than the character(s) about the true state of affairs.

Oracle An oracle was a shrine consecrated to a prophetic god A prophecy made known at such a shrine The priest at such a shrine Delphi – Apollo Dodona - Zeus

Oracles used primarily for 1. foreshadowing 2. dramatic irony 3. creating a tragic atmosphere Used like ghosts and witches in Shakespeare Those not legendary are freely invented by the writer.

Tragic Hero 1. nobility 2. tragic flaw (error in judgment or frailty) hamartia 3. downfall Reversal of fortune Ex. Accuser becomes the accused Prosecutor becomes the defendant

Tragic Hero cont’d. 4. Recognition 5. Downfall affects others

Catharsis A word used by Aristotle in his Poetics to describe the desired effect of tragedy …is the purgation (cleansing) of emotions of pity and fear In feeling pity and fear for the tragic hero, the viewers own emotional tensions are released and temporarily resolved

A quick check… Be ready to explain the makeup of the Greek chorus and how it is used in a play.

What is a tragic hero? What are the characteristics that are usually associated with a tragic hero?

Can you explain…. Ode Oracle Catharsis Drama Origins of drama 4-5 essential elements of a tragic hero

Good morning! Please pick up a Literature and Composition book and sign out sheet. Read the contract and fill it out. Also pick up your writing folder and 5x8 index card. And, have your notebook and planner out as well as your Antigone homework.

Subject matter Taken from legend and myth Plots not ready made for playwrights Playwrights changed legends to fit their theme. Three reasons for using legendary and mythological figures:

Historical names lent a certain credibility to the actions being performed.

The use of illustrious persons and significant events lent dignity and power to the tragedies.

Such names allow for artistic detachment and perspective…allow a universality that makes them relative then and now.

Good Morning! Can you… Identify the Greek god associated with the “birth” of drama? Define tragedy?…parados? Identify the Three Unities of a drama?