Introduction to Greek Theatre & Antigone Ms. Keener English II
Drama Origins of Greek Drama Combination of two genres: A story that is written and meant to be acted out in front of an audience “Theater” comes from the Greek word “theatron,” or “seeing place,” where Greek audiences say to watch drama Origins of Greek Drama Combination of two genres: Myth: stories that illustrate and explain a society Epic: long, narrative poem telling deeds of a hero Began as songs and dances performed at religious ceremonies in honor of the god Dionysis, the god of wine and procreation Sophocles: greatest ancient Greek playwright Plays dealt with morality
Comedy & Tragedy Comedy: isn’t necessarily “funny” Deals with average or below average people During the play, they enjoy rise in status from bad circumstances to good Rise in status is due to Fortune, or The Fates Characters speak in everyday language Tragedy: isn’t necessarily “tragic” Deals with higher than average people: kings, heroes, gods During the play, the suffer a fall from good fortune Fall is due to Fate Characters speak in elevated language
the Chorus isn’t just repeated over & over again in a song Made up of 15 elder actors in a drama Think of the chorus as another actor The Choragos is the leader of the chorus During the drama, the chorus sings odes to: Separate one scene from the next Give background information Offer reflections on events in the drama Strophe: during the ode, the chorus moves from right to left Antistrophe: during the ode, the chorus moves from left to right
Aristotle’s Rules for Tragedy a few things all good Tragedies should have Hamartia: the tragic flaw that leads to the hero’s downfall Hubris: arrogance before the gods Reversal: the opposite of what the hero intends to happens, happens Recognition: The main character recognizes his tragic flaw and why he must die, just as he is about to do so
Greek drama terms to know Prologue: introductory scene, revealing background information Parados: opening song in which the chorus explains the central conflict Exodus: the final scene; the “exit”