Aeschylus

Question 1

Anagnorisis

Answer 1

The recognition of a character’s fatal flaw

Question 2

Catharsis

Answer 2

A dramatic release of emotion

Question 3

Denouement

Answer 3

The final part of the play where the plot is drawn together

Question 4

Exodos

Answer 4

The final scene or departure

Question 5

Hamartia

Answer 5

A fatal flaw

Question 6

Hubris

Answer 6

Excessive pride or arrogance

Question 7

Parados

Answer 7

An ode sung by the chorus at their enterance

Question 8

Peripeteia

Answer 8

The reversal of fortune

Question 9

Prologue

Answer 9

Introduces the drama and gives necessary information

Question 10

Example of Catharsis

Answer 10

“Otototototoi”

Question 11

Example of hamartia

Answer 11

Xerxes’ hubris or anger

Question 12

Example of parados

Answer 12

The chorus singing about the greatness of the Persian army

Question 13

Example of Peripeteia

Answer 13

Xerxes’ arrival in rags with an empty quiver
Or
The messengers arrival with the news of their defeat

Question 14

3 interpretations of the play

Answer 14

1) A typical Greek tragedy
2) A spectacle of Athenian patriotism
3) A founding document of Athenian nationalism

Question 15

What is Aeschylus’ possible warning to the Athenians?

Answer 15

The danger of hubris, especially to the newly confident Greek state

Question 16

How many speeches does the messenger give?

Answer 16

4

Question 17

What are the four speeches by the messenger about?

Answer 17

1) the list of casualties
2) the sea battle at Salamis
3) Psyttaleia
4) the retreat

Question 18

What is the role of the chorus?

Answer 18

To guide the audience to the appropriate emotional response