Greek Dramas

Question 1

Tragedy

Answer 1

a literary term, which when applied to drama implies the representation of serious and important actions, often with disastrous results for the central character

Question 2

Catharsis

Answer 2

a sympathetic reaction of pity and fear with purifying results

Question 3

Qualities of a Tragic Hero

Answer 3

1. character of noble stature and has greatness (Oedipus is King of Thebes)
2. 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)
3. Pre-eminently great, but not perfect. (has a tragic flaw: Hubris and Short-temperedness)
4. 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.
5. Hero’s misfortune is not wholly deserved. The punishment exceeds the crime.
6. The fall is not pure loss. Hero gains increased awareness, self-knowledge, or discovery.
7. Tragedy does not leave its audience in a state of depression. Arouses catharsis.

Question 4

Hamartia

Answer 4

Tragic Flaw

Question 5

Hubris

Answer 5

Arrogant pride or over-confidence

Question 6

Orchestra

Answer 6

circular; level space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with actors. In the center was an alter.

Question 7

Theatron

Answer 7

“viewing-place” where the spectators sat. part of a hillside overlooking the orchestra. wrapped around the orchestra.

Question 8

Four Qualities of a Greek Drama

Answer 8

1. Not a business enterprise. Financed by the Athenian State as a part of a religious festival.
2. Competitive. Took the form of a contest between three playwrights. Ranked by a panel of judges.
3. Choral. Singing was involved, most important part of the production.
4. Closely associated with religion. Stories based on myth or history.

Question 9

Prologue

Answer 9

spoken by one or two characters before the chorus appears. gives mythological background necessary for understanding the play.

Question 10

Parados

Answer 10

Song sung by the chorus as it first enters the orchestra and dances

Question 11

First Episode

Answer 11

first of many “episodes” when the characters and chorus talk. the part of the play between two choric songs.

Question 12

First Stasimon

Answer 12

Oral ode sung by the chorus to narrate/punctuate what has just happened

Question 13

Exodos

Answer 13

Song sung by the chorus at the end of the play that offers wisdom related to actions and outcome of the play

Question 14

Chorus

Answer 14

1. represents the general populace in a given story
2. citizens of the city where the action takes place
3. amateurs, often from the tribe of the playwright

Question 15

Choragos

Answer 15

person who speaks on behalf of the chorus in dialogues

Question 16

Functions of the Chorus:

Answer 16

1. agent: gives advice
2. establishes ethical framework
3. ideal spectator
4. sets mood and heightens dramatic effects
5. adds movement
6. rhythmical function

Question 17

Foreshadowing

Answer 17

providing vague advance indications

Question 18

Dramatic Irony

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Climax

Answer 19

the point of greatest intensity or force is an ascending series or progression

Question 20

Catastrophe

Answer 20

concluding action of a drama, especially a tragedy. following the climax, it contains the resolution of the plot.

Question 21

Recognition

Answer 21

point in a dramatic play that the dramatic hero realizes that his actions have lead to disaster

Question 22

Tragic Hero

Answer 22

character who makes an error in judgement or has a fatal flaw that, combined with fate and external forces, brings on tragedy.

Question 23

Tragic Flaw

Answer 23

flaw in the character of the protagonist of a tragedy that brings the protagonist to ruin or sorrow

Question 24

Hubris

Answer 24

overbearing pride or arrogance

Question 25

Hamartia

Answer 25

the character flaw or error of a tragic hero that leads to his downfall

Question 26

Ode

Answer 26

a lyric poem of a serious or meditative nature with an elevated style and formal stanzaic structure

Question 27

Chorus

Answer 27

group whose songs and dances present and exposition of or commentary on the action

Question 28

Tragedy

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Limits met by the Tragic Hero

Answer 29

1. Human frailty (flaws in reason, hubris, society)
2. the Gods (through oracles, prophets, fate)
3. Nature

Question 30

The tragic hero should…. (Aristotle)

Answer 30

1. have a flaw

2. make some kind of mistake

Question 31

The Sphinx’s Riddle

Answer 31

“What goes on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?”

-humankind; man

Question 32

Oedipus comes from the line of…

Answer 32

Kadmos

Question 33

Oedipus’ Parents are:

Answer 33

Laius and Iocaste, king and queen of thebes

Question 34

Oedipus’ Name means:

Answer 34

swollen foot

Question 35

The mountain on which Laius wants Oedipus to be left on for dead is…

Answer 35

Mt. Kithairon

Question 36

Shepard doesn’t want to kill baby Oedipus, and brings him to … where … and … rule and are unable to conceive children of their own

Answer 36

1. Corinth
2. King Polybus
3. Queen Merope

Question 37

Who tells Oedipus that Polybus and Merope aren’t his real parents?

Answer 37

A drunk guest at a party

Question 38

What does Oedipus do when he hears the prophecy of what he will do?

Answer 38

He flees Corinth

Question 39

What is the prophecy set by the Delphi Oracle of Oedipus’ future?

Answer 39

He will kill his father and marry his mother