Antigone by Sophocles

Antigone -- Background Information Greek Tragedy Author: Sophocles 442 B.C. Put it in perspective.... The Iliad was told between 800 and 700 B.C. Remember: Homer lived roughly 200-300 years earlier than Sophocles.

Sophocles Born son of weapon factory owner Grew up during intellectual period of Athens Age 15: led boys’ chorus in victory Paean (joyful song)--Athenian naval victory over the Persians at battle of Salamis Young playwright (beat Aeschylus in a competition) Wrote 123 plays; 7 plays survived and remain in original form

Greek Theatre Began in 6th century in Athens, Greece Rituals performed to Dionysos Sacrifice of goats - song called “trag - odia” Greeks expressed themselves the way humans do-- in turn, created drama. Two types of Greek dramas: tragedy and comedy Later influenced Roman theatre

Greek Theatre: Masks (Prosopon) Exaggerated expressions helped define the characters the actors were playing Allowed for different genders Helped audience members in seats far away see what was happening on stage

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Elements of Drama Focuses on characters in conflict Presents its actions through dialogue: conversation and speeches of the characters Plot: ordered sequence of events that make up the drama, or play Play is often divided into acts which are divided into shorter units, scenes Characters are portrayed by actors Stage directions: notes included in play to describe sets, costumes, lighting, scenery, sound effects, and props (where scene takes place, how it should look and sound, and how actors should move and deliver lines)

Tragedy Comedy Downfall or death of main character (tragic hero with a tragic flaw) Play that has a happy ending

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