Drama - Tragedy

Question 1

history of tragedy

Answer 1

• officially recognized as a dramatic medium in Athens, 534 BC
• first tragedies were performed by a Chorus, who would dance and sing religious incantations
• as the dramatic form evolved, individual actors were added
• tragedy began as a religious festival honoring the mythical god of wine, Dionysus
• part of the festival became a dramatic contest in which playwrights would write a “trilogy” - three tragedies and one comedy, which were then judged
• tragedies portrayed the downfall of a noble hero or heroine due to a “tragic flaw” and to fate
• the purpose of the tragedies was to invoke sympathy for the hero/heroine, but to also install a warning or fear in viewers against similar behavior
• props in tragedies were symbolic
• much of the action took place off stage and was reported by a messenger
• evolved and individual actors took part

Question 2

functions of the Chorus of early Greek tragedy

Answer 2

• to give important background info
• to make announcements of events; to introduce characters
• to make comments, especially comments reflecting the attitudes of the community