Open-air theaters with few sets of props Plays presented by a chorus, or group of singers. Two actors stepped out of the chorus to take on individual roles. Plays performed to honor the god, Dionysus, and often performed only once. Plays were a competition (1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd places given)

According to Aristotle, tragedy means: An “imitation”: it represents Reality of the universe “An action with serious implications” “Complete and possesses magnitude”: the artist selects important aspects of life “language sensuously attractive…in the parts”: language must be appropriate for each part of the play Must be a dramatic performance “purification”: The audience members must be changed by what they see in the play.

A great man: neither a villain nor a model of perfection, but is good and decent Has flaws In Oedipus the King, the tragic hero is Oedipus

496 B.C. – 406 B.C. His life corresponded with the rise and fall of 5 th century Athens Served many different roles in the city such as performer, treasurer of the Imperial League, and war general Rise and fall of the Golden Age of Greek tragedy Wrote over 120 plays in 62 years 24 of those plays came in first place; the rest placed second Contribution to Greek tragedy Expanded the use of stage machinery and sets Increased the number of singers in the chorus and introduced a 3 rd speaking role Introduced the idea that human beings can be held responsible for their actions

“What is it that goes on four legs in the morning, two at midday, and three in the evening? ”