Greek Tragedy

Structure of a Greek Tragedy Prologue- spoken by one or two characters before the chorus appears; usually gives the background information needed to understand the events of the play Parodos- the song sung by the chorus as it makes its entrance Episodes/scenes- the main action of the play

Structure cont. Odes- songs (and often a dance) that reflects on the events of the episodes and weaves the plot into a cohesive whole Choragos- the leader of the chorus who often interacts with the characters in the scenes Chorus- the singers/dancers who remark on the action Supernumeraries- extras with no speaking parts

Odes cont. Strophe- the movement of the chorus from right to left across the stage Antistrophe- the reaction to the strophe, which moves across the stage from left to right

Structure cont. Paean- a prayer of thanksgiving to Dionysus in whose honor the Greek plays were performed Exodus- sung by the chorus as it makes its final exit, which usually offers words of wisdom related to the actions and outcomes of the play Epilogos- (epilogue) within the exodus and usually directed to the audience at the end with a lesson or message

Origins of Drama Drama originated from religious ceremonies: main feature of the religious festivals given in honor of Dionysus Contests were held and the greatest poet-dramatists submitted plays for performance

Origins of Drama After work, people of Greece sang and danced in a circle to worship their gods. These circle dances became the dithyramb, a religious ritual performed by a chorus of men wearing masks. Special arenas were built at the base of the hills for the dithyramb.

Greek Theatre Dionysus- the Greek god of wine and fertility and rebirth; theatrical performances were originally religious ceremonies in honor of Dionysus. The Dionysia- the name of the annual festival held in honor of Dionysus

Key Figures in Greek Theatre Thespis- credited as the “father of drama” and first prize winner at the Great Dionysia in 534 B.C. He introduced the concept of the independent actor (thus why actors are called “thespians”) as opposed to the choir Introduced the use of masks, make up and costumes so the actor could play several roles

Three Great Greek Tragedians Aeschylus (525-456 B.C.)- credited as the man who first increased the number of the actors from one to two and with reducing the role of the chorus, putting emphasis on dialogue Euripides (480-406 B.C.)- was less formal and wrote about the underdog; reduced participation of chorus in main action; relied heavily on prologues; Medea is his most famous play

Sophocles (496-406 B.C.) Born into a wealthy family at Colonus (outside of Athens) Had an auspicious education Incredibly popular and eminent in his time and was often elected for positions he didn’t necessarily want Prolific writer of over 120 plays but only 7 remain

Sophocles cont. Won first prize at the Great Dionysia 18 times Added a third actor in the late 5th century Fixed number of chorus members to fifteen Introduced painted scenery Evidently pretty darn good looking too!

Sophocles’ Plays Ajax 445 B.C. Antigone 440 B.C. Electra 440 B.C. Oedipus Rex B.C. 430 B.C. The Trachiniae 413 B.C. Philoctetes 410 B.C. Oedipus at Colonus 401 B.C.

Greek Theatre Terms Satyr- commonly confused with “satire”; had to be mastered by tragedians and was comprised of the following elements: Chorus- half-man, half- beast- satyrs, companions of Dionysus Burlesque of mythology ridiculing gods or heroes Everyday and colloquial language Short after-pieces to tragedies

Structure of Greek Theater

Structure of Greek Theater theatron – where the audience sat orchestra – circular dancing place where actors and chorus performed thymele – altar to Dionysus in center of orchestra skene – building used as a dressing room proskenion – façade of skene building which served as backdrop parados – entrance to the theater used by the chorus

Ancient Theatre at Mt. Etna

Actors and Acting Hypocrites – the answerer 1st “dramas” (Thespis) – actor and playwright were originally the same playwright took leading role never had more than three actors playing all roles all male performers

Actors and Acting Costumes and Masks: long, flowing robes – colored symbolically high boots, often with raised soles (heroic parts) larger-than-life masks made of linen, wood, and cork Identified age, gender, emotion Exaggerated features – large eyes, open mouth

Elements of Greek Tragedy Tragedy – play in which main character, tragic hero, suffers a downfall. Tragic hero – character whose downfall is brought about by a flaw within his/her own character. neither totally good nor totally evil usually of high birth (not a commoner) Arete- inborn capacities

Elements of Greek Tragedy peripetia – reversal of fortune nemesis – fate that cannot be escaped; in Greek mythology, Nemesis is the goddess of retributive justice of vengeance catharsis – purgation of emotions of pity and fear which leaves the viewer both relieved and elated (part of recognition)

Elements of Greek Tragedy Reversal-when a character produces an unintended effect and things go from bad to worse Catastrophe- the final resolution in the plot where the protagonist undergoes a change of fortune Recognition- a discovery on the part of the protagonist; a change from ignorance to knowledge (catharsis)

Aristotle’s Poetics and the Six Elements of Tragedy Plot- how the action is arranged Tragedy- a play with a serious theme that usually ends unhappily for the main character set in motion by some tragic flaw in his/her personality (hamartia); intended to arouse emotions of pity and fear; violence often described but not enacted on stage Hubris- arrogance demonstrated by a character as a result of his/her pride or passion

Elements of Plot cont. C. Foreshadowing- clues as the what will probably happen later in the play D. Climax- the highest point of emotional tension or the turning point of the plot E. Catharsis- the purification of a character’s emotions and/or the relief of emotional tension F. Denouement- the resolution of the main conflict (not usually a happy outcome for the main character)

Six Elements of Tragedy cont. II. Characters- the people in the play III. Theme- the main idea or message as the central focus IV. Language/Diction- the words spoken or sung by the characters V. Music- the odes sung by the chorus and choragus (in Greek Tragedy) VI. Spectacle- the scenes, props, costumes, masks…all things visual

Freytag’s Pyramid (Dramatic Structure)

The Oedipal Trilogy Oedipus Rex – The story of Oedipus’ birth, his upbringing, his marriage (to his mother, unbeknownst to either bride or groom), their 4 children, and how they learn of and deal with their incest.

The Oedipal Trilogy Oedipus at Colunus The continuation of Oedipus’ life once he goes into his self-imposed exile, with his dutiful daughter, Antigone, at his side. His two sons battle each other for control of Thebes.

The Oedipal Trilogy Antigone The final piece (but the first play actually written) of the story of the line of Oedipus. This tells of the aftermath of the battle between the brothers, Seven Against Thebes, and how the remaining family members proceed.

The Riddle of the Sphinx In Greek mythology, the Sphinx sat outside of Thebes and asked this riddle of all travelers who passed by. If the traveler failed to solve the riddle, then the Sphinx killed him/her. And if the traveler answered the riddle correctly, then the Sphinx would destroy herself. The riddle: What goes on four legs in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs in the evening? Oedipus solved the riddle, and the Sphinx destroyed herself. The solution: A man, who crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as an adult, and walks with a cane in old age. Of course morning, noon, and night are metaphors for the times in a man's (person's) life. Such metaphors are common in riddles. There were two Thebes, apparently this Thebes was the one in Greece. And this Sphinx was apparently not the one at Giza, in Egypt.

Oedipus and the Sphinx