Originated in religious festivals in honor of Dionysus – god of wine & fertility Festival would last 5 days in March or April 50 men would sing and dance; sacrifice

goat: tragedy means goat – song Athenian Thespis

Introduced actor who dialogues with Chorus

Invented drama

Second actor Dialogue became more important;

Chorus less Wrote plays in trilogies focused on a

theme

Most tragic writer Reduced role of Chorus Humanized characters to make plays

more realistic

7 of 120 plays survived 3rd actor Fixed Chorus at 15 men Oedipus Rex, Electra, Ajax ANTIGONE! Made each play in trilogy

separate in nature

Theatron – seeing play where 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 Parodos – entrance to theatre used by Chorus

Hypocrites – the answerer – playing roles All male performers

Costumes Long robes; symbolically colored Larger than life masks – made of linen,

wood, cork Identified gender, age and emotion Exaggerated features: large eyes, open mouth

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hXvkEsNv-Zo/SNbNENvwnKI/AAAAAAAAALQ/AzAPREc0Iwo/s400/Greek+Drama+2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://mythologywithcrampton-crampton.blogspot.com/2008_09_14_archive.html&usg=__OV7gg7684Ia_eEPObu_QtFgrLfU=&h=400&w=300&sz=24&hl=en&start=9&um=1&tbnid=5qHQ_cm0Kl3UtM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=93&prev=/images?q=ancient+greek+masks+antigone&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&um=1

Prologue: Opening scene of exposition

Parados: Entrance ode by Chorus

Episode: Dramatic scene

Stasimon: Choral ode 5 episodes followed

by odes Exodus: Exit scene

Things to think about while reading play: How do all of these components work together?

Leader: Choragos Music and Dance

Musical accompaniment for choral odes – flute, lyre, percussion

Function Sets overall mood;

expresses theme Gives background

information Divides action and

offers reflections on events

Questions, advises, expresses opinion, usually through Chorus leader

Unities: Action – simple plot Time – within 24

hours Place – one scene

throughout

Messenger Tells news happening

away from scene Reports acts of

violence not allowed to be seen

Based on well-known myths High-status person experiences reversal

of fortune by tragic hero Fate ensures his or her actions will bring

doom Audience members experience

Catharsis Emotional relief that an audience is

supposed to experience at end of play

Often warns against excess PRIDE PASSION

Concerns limitations of: Human knowledge Sympathy Foresight

Every decision has consequences

High status in society; innately noble or virtuous

Tragic flaw triggers downfall HARMARTIA:

Tragic flaw HUBRIS:

Arrogance

Misfortune overboard

Increase in awareness; tragic hero learns lesson

Family members should always support each other.

Following an order is sometimes more important than being true to a personal belief.

Strong leaders should not show compassion.

Courage is often foolhardy (foolish).