1. A guide to the Aristotelian Tragedy
Greek Theatre
A guide to the Aristotelian Tragedy

2. Definition Defined by Aristotle Form of action, not narrative
An imitation of action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude
Form of action, not narrative
Emphasis on the act and not the story

3. Tragic Hero Person of high status, neither good nor bad Tragic Flaw
Dominated by hubris—arrogant pride
Tragic Flaw
Trait that brings the character’s downfall—leads to an error in judgment.
Trait itself is not necessarily bad, it’s just taken to extremes.

4. Elements of Tragedy Concept of Justice Catharsis
Everyone gets what he or she deserves—the hero sees this as well
This means, wrong actions=punishment
Catharsis
We experience pity or fear for the tragic hero when he suffers his downfall.
We know we could easily be in their place, too.
This has a therapeutic quality—we learn to be better people

5. Parts of a Greek Play Prologue: First Scene
Provides the exposition
Parados: entry of the chorus
Episodes (5): The action performed by the actors
Stasima: performed by the chorus
Often provided commentary on the action in the episodes
Exodos: the final section
Resolution of the action
Exit of the actors and chorus

6. The Theatre Greek theatre involved a week-long religious event
Plays performed to honor the god Dionysus
Began with just a chorus and dancing—evolved into the characters and action we will read in Antigone

7. Theatre, cont. Thespsis: The first actor
Originally, Thespis performed all of the action. Later, other actors were added in.
Chorus: Serves as commentator on the action
Might represent or inform the action
Models appropriate responses to the audience
Shows the passage of time and questions new characters so the audience learns identity and purpose.

8. Theatre Costumes: Long-sleeved robes and boots
Masks: Identified the character and amplified the voice
Actors portrayed emotion through action and voice only

9. Theatre

10. The Theatre Itself Three Levels
Orchestra—Where the chorus was
Stage
Roof of the skene (also a dressing room)
No curtain, but there was painted scenery
“The Machine”—Operated on pulleys and raised/lowered flying figures and gods
Deus Ex Machina: (God from the machine) often gives a formal conclusion to the play

11. Why the Conflict in Antigone?
Antigone’s two brothers alternated their rule over Thebes
Eteocles ruled first, but decided not to give it up when it was Polynices’ turn
Polynices left and got support to attack Thebes in order to gain the throne.
Both brothers were killed in the battle.

12. Burial
Since Eteocles fought with Thebes,he was given a proper burial; Polynices was not.
Without a burial, a person could not enter the afterlife
Antigone felt it was her duty to give her brother a proper burial, in spite of the possible punishment.

13. Characters in Antigone
Antigone—Daughter of Oedipus; Goes against Creon’s order and buries her brother.
Ismene—Other daughter of Oedipus
Creon—Jocasta’s brother; Ruler of Thebes after the death of Eteocles
Haemon—Son of Creon; Engaged to Antigone (it’s a little gross if you think about it)

14. Characters, cont. Chorus—townspeople, comment on action
Sentry—Keeps watch over Polynices’ body; Acts as comic relief
Teiresias—The blind seer (Odysseus meets him in the underworld)
Eurydice—Creon’s wife
The Messenger—The bearer of (bad) news