chorus

Question 1

dramatic function

Answer 1

• songs gave background and summary info to help audience
• commented on plays key themes
• expressed what the characters couldn’t say i.e hidden fears
• informed the audience how they might react to the drama
• represent general pop of the story and contrasted to the plays important individuals

Question 2

Choral structure and size

Answer 2

• orginally 50
• lowered to 12 under Aeschylus
• Sophocles and Euripides used 15
• the chorus would have a leader to speak for them

Question 3

stage management

Answer 3

• performed by signing, dancing, narrating, acting
• had to help explain as there were only 1-3 actors on stage
• used loud voices, synchronisation, echo, ripple and masks to fill the space
• served as an opening and closing of the play

Question 4

their beginning of the play

Answer 4

parados

Question 5

their end of the play

Answer 5

exodus

Question 6

decline of the chorus

Answer 6

• before Aeschylus intdocued a second actor and Sophocles a third, the chorus were vital
• over time they became serrated from dramatic action
• dialogue and characterisation replaced the need for the chorus

Question 7

features of the chorus

Answer 7

• extravagant masks and costumes

- vocal effects such as synchronisation, echo and ripple