originated in religious festivals in honor of dionysus – god of wine & fertility festival...
TRANSCRIPT
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
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
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