1. Sophocles and Greek Drama Image by: "A Hatful of Hannah, University of Warwick." A Hatful of Hannah, University of Warwick. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2014

2. Sophocles 496-406 B.C. His tragedies look closely at human suffering. The characters have unsolvable dilemmas that test their faith in human justice and the divine. His tragedies look closely at human suffering. The characters have unsolvable dilemmas that test their faith in human justice and the divine. Sophocles lived in a time of political expansion when anything seemed possible. Sophocles lived in a time of political expansion when anything seemed possible. He lived a happy life, achieved recognition at the age of 26 and won 24 prizes for writing. He lived a happy life, achieved recognition at the age of 26 and won 24 prizes for writing. He produced 123 plays and only 7 survive today. He produced 123 plays and only 7 survive today.

3. Greek Drama: Classical drama originated in Ancient Greece. Classical drama originated in Ancient Greece. Men played women’s roles. Men played women’s roles. Typically only three actors were used. Typically only three actors were used. The theatre honored the god, Dionysus. The theatre honored the god, Dionysus. Costumes consisted of robes, masks, and elevated shoes. Costumes consisted of robes, masks, and elevated shoes. Actors would recap the episode (scene of the play) and were called the chorus – the leader was called choragus Actors would recap the episode (scene of the play) and were called the chorus – the leader was called choragus

4. Parts of the Greek Play Prologue: opening scene Prologue: opening scene Parados: the first of the chorus’ lyric songs Parados: the first of the chorus’ lyric songs Dialogue: conversation b/w characters Dialogue: conversation b/w characters Choral odes: sung by the chorus Choral odes: sung by the chorus Exodus: concluding scene Exodus: concluding scene Dramatic festivals: honor the gods Dramatic festivals: honor the gods

5. Terms to know for Oedipus Rex Tragedy: serious drama with a main character, often of noble birth, who strives to achieve something and is ultimately defeated Tragedy: serious drama with a main character, often of noble birth, who strives to achieve something and is ultimately defeated Tragic flaw: what the tragic hero suffers from and causes his/her downfall Tragic flaw: what the tragic hero suffers from and causes his/her downfall Dramatic irony: when the audience knows something the characters do not Dramatic irony: when the audience knows something the characters do not Theben Plays: the three plays written by Sophocles which are centered in the town of Thebes – Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone Theben Plays: the three plays written by Sophocles which are centered in the town of Thebes – Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone Oedipus Rex is considered one of the world’s greatest tragedies. Oedipus Rex is considered one of the world’s greatest tragedies.

6. Terms continued Catharsis: emotional cleansing after reading/watching a play, movie, etc. Catharsis: emotional cleansing after reading/watching a play, movie, etc. Tragic hero: the protagonist of a tragedy Tragic hero: the protagonist of a tragedy Catastrophe: the major event of the play that causes the downfall Catastrophe: the major event of the play that causes the downfall Hubris: excessive pride and is often what the tragic hero suffers from. Hubris: excessive pride and is often what the tragic hero suffers from.