Antigone Background

Ancient Greek Theatre Greek theatre was rooted in Greek Religion Polytheistic- belief in more than one God Monotheistic-belief in one God Atheistic-belief in no God Greek Gods were often quick to punish human beings for being guilty of hubris or excessive pride.

The Festival of Dionysus Dionysus- God of Wine His festival- Dionysia Where: Ancient Greece When and how long: Annual for 3 days Original Chorus: group of singers Chanted: Hymns (called dithyrambs)

The festival of Dionysus Cont First poet to step away from chorus: Thespis Greek word for actor: Hypokrites What term: Thespian Definition: someone acting a part What did he do when he stepped away: Dialogue Origin of our word: Hypocrite What was born: Drama Definition: a person who puts out a What did Aeschylus add: a second actor false appearance What did Sopholces add: a third actor Three types of plays: Satyr, Tragedies, and comedies

The Greek Theatre Outdoors Near city On a slope In Athens Sat on wood first Semi-circle No curtain Masks Parados: parades Skene:

Define terms Verse Drama: drama that is written to be spoken Odes: additional songs Strophe:first section of a Greek ode Prologue: exposition Paean: song of praise Antistrophe: second section of a Greek ode

Define Terms Cont. Parados: Opening song Exodus: Final scene Epode: Concluding stanza Choragos: chorus leader Chorus: group of singers Deus Ex Machina: God in the Machine En Media Res:

Fundamentals of Greek Tragedy Aristotle wrote: Poetics Aristotle lived: 384-322 B.C. Tragedy: a serious play recounting related events in the life of a person of high rank or importance who is brought low and often meets his or her doom Tragic Hero: experiences this reversal of fortune as a result of a tragic flaw or profound error in judgement Protagonist: the person that wants to get something done Antagonist: the person that stands in the protagonist’s way

Fundamentals of Greek Tragedy Cont Hamartia: tragic flaw Tragic flaw: Hubris: excessive pride Catharsis: a cleansing or release of emotions

Oedipus Myth Three Theban Plays: Antigone, Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus Laius: Oedipus’ biological father who is told his son will kill him.  Has Oedipus sent away to be killed. This does not work and Oedipus unknowingly kills him. Jocasta: Oedipus’ biological mother who ends up marrying and having children with Oedipus.  When she finds out she kills herself Oedipus: son of Laius and Jocasta.  He kills father and marries mother. When he finds out he gouges out his eyes. Sphinx: creature with lion’s body and bird’s wings and woman’s head. Poses a riddle and won’t leave Thebes without someone solving it.  Oedipus solves the riddle.

Oedipus Myth Cont. Antigone, Ismene, Polneices, and Eteocles: all siblings Parents: Oedipus and Jocasta Aunt: Eurydice Uncle: Creon Whom is Antigone engaged: Haimon (Creon’s son, Antigone’s cousin) Who is a blind prophet: Teiresias