1. Antigone by Sophocles

2. 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 years earlier than Sophocles.

3. 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

4. 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

6. 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

7. Video

8. 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)

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

10. Oedipus Story