Greek Dramas Flashcards
Tragedy
a literary term, which when applied to drama implies the representation of serious and important actions, often with disastrous results for the central character
Catharsis
a sympathetic reaction of pity and fear with purifying results
Qualities of a Tragic Hero
- character of noble stature and has greatness (Oedipus is King of Thebes)
- Character occupies a “high” status position (Kingship) but also embodies characteristics such as nobility and virtue as part of his/her innate character (Cares for people)
- Pre-eminently great, but not perfect. (has a tragic flaw: Hubris and Short-temperedness)
- Hero’s downfall is partially his/her own fault or the result of free choice. Usually triggered y some error of judgement or character flaw.
- Hero’s misfortune is not wholly deserved. The punishment exceeds the crime.
- The fall is not pure loss. Hero gains increased awareness, self-knowledge, or discovery.
- Tragedy does not leave its audience in a state of depression. Arouses catharsis.
Hamartia
Tragic Flaw
Hubris
Arrogant pride or over-confidence
Orchestra
circular; level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with actors. In the center was an alter.
Theatron
“viewing-place” where the spectators sat. part of a hillside overlooking the orchestra. wrapped around the orchestra.
Four Qualities of a Greek Drama
- Not a business enterprise. Financed by the Athenian State as a part of a religious festival.
- Competitive. Took the form of a contest between three playwrights. Ranked by a panel of judges.
- Choral. Singing was involved, most important part of the production.
- Closely associated with religion. Stories based on myth or history.
Prologue
spoken by one or two characters before the chorus appears. gives mythological background necessary for understanding the play.
Parados
Song sung by the chorus as it first enters the orchestra and dances
First Episode
first of many “episodes” when the characters and chorus talk. the part of the play between two choric songs.
First Stasimon
Oral ode sung by the chorus to narrate/punctuate what has just happened
Exodos
Song sung by the chorus at the end of the play that offers wisdom related to actions and outcome of the play
Chorus
- represents the general populace in a given story
- citizens of the city where the action takes place
- amateurs, often from the tribe of the playwright
Choragos
person who speaks on behalf of the chorus in dialogues
Functions of the Chorus:
- agent: gives advice
- establishes ethical framework
- ideal spectator
- sets mood and heightens dramatic effects
- adds movement
- rhythmical function
Foreshadowing
providing vague advance indications
Dramatic Irony
leading an audience to understand an incongruity between a situation and the accompanying speeches, while the characters in the play remain unaware of the incongruity
Climax
the point of greatest intensity or force is an ascending series or progression
Catastrophe
concluding action of a drama, especially a tragedy. following the climax, it contains the resolution of the plot.
Recognition
point in a dramatic play that the dramatic hero realizes that his actions have lead to disaster
Tragic Hero
character who makes an error in judgement or has a fatal flaw that, combined with fate and external forces, brings on tragedy.
Tragic Flaw
flaw in the character of the protagonist of a tragedy that brings the protagonist to ruin or sorrow
Hubris
overbearing pride or arrogance
Hamartia
the character flaw or error of a tragic hero that leads to his downfall
Ode
a lyric poem of a serious or meditative nature with an elevated style and formal stanzaic structure
Chorus
group whose songs and dances present and exposition of or commentary on the action
Tragedy
depicts the downfall of a noble hero, usually through some combination of hubris, fate, and the will of the gods. Hero’s wish to achieve a goal encounters limits
Limits met by the Tragic Hero
- Human frailty (flaws in reason, hubris, society)
- the Gods (through oracles, prophets, fate)
- Nature
The tragic hero should…. (Aristotle)
- have a flaw
2. make some kind of mistake
The Sphinx’s Riddle
“What goes on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?”
-humankind; man
Oedipus comes from the line of…
Kadmos
Oedipus’ Parents are:
Laius and Iocaste, king and queen of thebes
Oedipus’ Name means:
swollen foot
The mountain on which Laius wants Oedipus to be left on for dead is…
Mt. Kithairon
Shepard doesn’t want to kill baby Oedipus, and brings him to … where … and … rule and are unable to conceive children of their own
- Corinth
- King Polybus
- Queen Merope
Who tells Oedipus that Polybus and Merope aren’t his real parents?
A drunk guest at a party
What does Oedipus do when he hears the prophecy of what he will do?
He flees Corinth
What is the prophecy set by the Delphi Oracle of Oedipus’ future?
He will kill his father and marry his mother
